StadiumPosts Logo
Stay upto date with notifications from Stadiumposts
Notifications can be managed in browser preferences

ANTOINE SEMENYO DECLARES COMMITMENT TO BOURNEMOUTH WHILE TRANSFER RUMOURS INTENSIFY

Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo is a £75m target for Liverpool, Man City, and Man Utd after a stellar season. Despite the transfer links, the Ghana star says he is "happy" and committed to the Cherries for now.

Antoine Semenyo declares commitment to Bournemouth while transfer rumours intensify
Semenyo stays devoted to Bournemouth - Photo Credit: Getty Images

Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth has been the subject of much rumour lately regarding a possible transfer. The Ghanaian international has made 11 appearances so far this season, scoring six goals and providing three assists. For a goal involvement every 110 minutes, that is good. A major factor in Bournemouth's successful start this season has been Semenyo's play.

Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Spurs are reportedly all vying for Semenyo, with some teams possibly hoping to finalise a deal during the January transfer window, according to reports from a number of sources over the past several days. Semenyo's desire to relocate this winter has also been hinted at in some stories. Semenyo recently told Sky Sports that he is aware of the rumours but that he is content with his current situation and dedicated to Bournemouth.

I do not give it much thought. I make every effort to be in the moment. You and I both constantly watch the news; I am not blind to it, but I make an effort to stay focused. I am having fun playing football here. All of that disappears if I am not scoring goals. I make an effort to be there, give the team my best effort, score goals, and deal with whatever comes up in the future.

There was a lot of interest and back and forth with the club when they [his old teammates] all went [in the summer]. However, I had a sneaking suspicion that the management had something planned for this year. We had a fantastic season finale last year, and we could keep going, especially with the guys we have added. We have gotten started like a house on fire, even if I was not really sure at first. I am happy I made the decision to stay here since I am having a great time.

Liverpool is naturally considering Semenyo as a long-term replacement for the Egyptian legend Mohamed Salah, who has been suffering this season. According to local transfer guru Dave OCKOP, Liverpool and Bournemouth are holding preliminary exploratory discussions over a summer deal. Although Bournemouth would undoubtedly like to hang onto the player, the team has a track record of making money off of players they purchase at a discount. Semenyo was first acquired by the Cherries in 2023 for £10.5 million, and a few years later, they are aiming for about £75 million. Semenyo was first recruited to Bournemouth by Richard Hughes, the current sporting director of Liverpool.

Tim Bezbatchenko, the club's current general manager, has said that when the "big" clubs approach, Bournemouth will always have to listen to agreements. In an interview with the Business of Sport podcast, he stated that as long as Bournemouth can benefit fairly, the club will not obstruct players' moves.

Who are we to say, 'No, you can not travel, you can not fulfil your ambition,' when teams like Real Madrid, Liverpool, and PSG enter the race for Champions League spots? Since not everyone is a Real Madrid supporter, it would not be that way for every club. However, there is a chance, and everyone benefits, right? That, in my opinion, is what we are looking for—a shared experience where everyone benefits.

PREMIER LEAGUE FACES LEGAL THREAT FROM PALMER AND MAINOO AGENCIES

Leading agencies CAA Base, CAA Stellar, and Wasserman are threatening to sue the Premier League over proposed new spending caps. The rules, including 'top to bottom anchoring', face a crucial vote and major opposition.

top-news
Premier League hit with lawsuit threat - Action Image via Reuters

Three of the largest football agencies in England, CAA Base, CAA Stellar, and Wasserman, have vowed to sue the Premier League over proposed new spending regulations.

"Top to bottom anchoring" (TBA), one of the contentious new financial restrictions, would impose a salary limitation on all 20 teams in the English top flight, restricting the amount of money they could spend on players, including their salaries, agents' fees, and transfer fees.

The topic of substituting "squad cost ratios" (SCR) for profit and sustainability rules (PSR) will also be discussed. At the upcoming Premier League shareholders' meeting on Friday, a vote will be held to determine whether the plans are approved.

Leading law firm Clifford Chance has sent a letter formally opposing CAA Base, CAA Stellar, and Wasserman, whose combined client lists include Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer and Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, ahead of the crucial vote, according to The Athletic.

Both TBA and SCR, which would prohibit clubs from spending more than 85% of their annual revenue, were denounced by the three agencies. Additionally, they charged that the Premier League had developed these new rules without first consulting them.

The most recent overt opposition to the suggested modifications is the threat of legal action by the three leading agencies.

The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) president, Maheta Molango, pledged that the players' union will "take measures to contest the new rules if they are brought in."

"Clubs that see the modifications as a blatant trade restriction will likewise take action," the CEO continued. The anchoring measures have drawn criticism from competition experts since they lack precedent and will undoubtedly face legal challenges.

Several teams are believed to be voting against the expenditure changes, including Manchester United and City. A two-thirds majority of teams must support the idea in Friday's London vote for it to advance to the Premier League.

UNAI EMERY EYES MAN CITY TARGET WHILE VILLA CHASE REAL MADRID STAR

Aston Villa are targeting Man City's James Trafford as a potential long-term successor for Emiliano Martinez. The club has also made a formal offer for Real Madrid's young striker Gonzalo Garcia.

top-news
Emery turns to City man amid Villa Madrid pursuit - Photo Credit: Getty Images

Aston Villa reportedly "turned to" a Manchester City star, while Real Madrid received a "formal offer" from them.

Six months after losing out on Champions League status on the last day of the 2024–2025 season, Aston Villa has experienced a wild ride.

Due to their limited summertime market activity and the rumoured departures of Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins, and Emiliano Martinez, they had to cut their transfer budget.

Unai Emery's team bought Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho in the closing days of the summer in an attempt to turn around their disastrous summer, but they had a dismal start to the current campaign.

After struggling offensively and starting the season in the relegation zone, the Villans have improved in recent weeks, leaping to sixth place in the Premier League standings.

In order to improve their chances of making it to the Champions League the following season, Villa may try to make up for their dismal summer during the winter transfer window.

Martinez is nearing the end of his career, and Manchester United targeted him in the summer, so finding a replacement goalkeeper will be one of Aston Villa's top concerns.

According to a Football Insider story, Aston Villa has "turned to" James Trafford, a star for Man City, who is "increasingly certain" to depart Pep Guardiola's team next year, either on loan or permanently.

Trafford rejoined Man City in the summer, but Gianluigi Donnarumma took his spot as their starting goalie for a few weeks.

Aston Villa is keeping an eye on Trafford, who may depart to get more playing time before the World Cup next summer.

Villa believes Trafford is a good substitute for Martinez and might eventually take his place as the team's starting goalie.

"Sources believe that Trafford's departure from Man City next year, possibly on an initial loan, is becoming more and more likely."

Gonzalo Garcia of Real Madrid is reportedly a target for Aston Villa as well. According to Fichajes, the Spanish powerhouses have received "formal proposals" from the Villans, Sunderland, and Wolves totalling about 20 million euros.

After receiving multiple official proposals for Gonzalo García, one of the young jewels attracting the most interest in England, Real Madrid has started to advance its transfer agenda. According to the reports

"The 21-year-old striker has become a top target for several Premier League clubs after excelling in both the youth academy and first-team training, creating an unexpected situation for Real Madrid."

Premier League Standings

WhatsApp Read More News