Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur and already shares a strong bond with one of his potential new teammates. The forward is reportedly drawing significant attention ahead of the January transfer window.
Semenyo was first identified as a target for Spurs during the summer, with Manchester United and Liverpool also expressing interest in the player. It was reported that Bournemouth set a £70million price tag on Semenyo during the most recent window.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
The 25-year-old eventually signed a new Bournemouth contract until 2030 and has clocked up nine goal contributions in 11 league games for the Cherries. Meanwhile, Spurs opted to strengthen their attack with a £55m deal for Mohammed Kudus in the summer, a player Semenyo knows well.
Semenyo earned his first Ghana call-up in May 2022 and has played alongside Kudus in 25 of his 32 caps. The Bournemouth star showcased their rapport during the September international break, teasing Kudus about Spurs' 1-0 loss to Andoni Iraola's team.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
In a video shared on social media, Semenyo asked: "Kuku, my boy, how was the game on Saturday? Let me go ask him how the game was."
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Approaching Kudus, Semenyo continued: "How was the game on Saturday, bro?" A shocked Kudus responded: "It was good." The clip ended with a laughing Semenyo repeating the 1-0 scoreline.
The Athletic has reported that Semenyo's new Bournemouth deal includes a £65m release clause, sparking speculation over his future as the January transfer window approaches.
It is stated that interested clubs must trigger that clause by a particular deadline to give Bournemouth sufficient time to secure a replacement. The release clause will also stay in place within his contract for future transfer windows.
Bournemouth parted ways with several key figures during the summer, including defenders Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez. While Semenyo could become another significant departure in the coming months, the Ghana international has emphasised that he won't allow transfer talk to affect his displays.
Speaking to Sky Sports earlier this month, Semenyo reaffirmed his commitment to Bournemouth. "I don't think about it too much. I try to stay present as much as I can," he said.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
"You see the news all the time, I see it as well, I'm not oblivious, but I try to keep focused. I'm enjoying my football here. If I'm not scoring goals, all of that goes away. I try to stay present, do the best I can for the team, score goals and whatever happens in the future happens.
"When they [his former teammates] all left [in the summer], there was a lot of interest and back and forth with the club. But I knew in my head that the manager's got something up his sleeve this year.
"How we finished off the season last year was so good and we could continue, especially with the players we've bought in as well. I wasn't too sure at the start but we've kicked on like a house on fire. I'm glad I committed to staying here because I'm enjoying every moment."