Antoine Semenyo’s private coach says it is only a matter of time before the Bournemouth box office star moves to a big club.
However, The Pitch Prospect’s Gabby Abonglahor has warned suitors Tottenham Hotspur it won’t go to them for one big reason.
Spurs were keen on a move for Semenyo last summer – as revealed in Alex Crook’s transfer notebook.
The Ghanaian held talks with the Lilywhites and Manchester United before deciding to sign a new contract with Bournemouth.
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is also a big admirer, having signed Semenyo to the Cherries from Bristol City for £10.5m in January 2023.
Despite his new contract, the Ghana international’s goal-laden start to the season has seen elite interest remain.
The winger has six direct goal involvements in the Premier League this season [six goals, three assists] – only Erling Haaland has more with ten [nine, one] – and Bournemouth value him at over £75m.
Private coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst, who also works with Arsenal’s Noni Madueke, said of Semenyo: “He’s simply sensational. A box office player.”
“He’s got the pace, the power, the athleticism, but with the ball. That’s what defines him. He can go left, he can go right.”
“His ball striking is unbelievable. He’s just a blockbuster.
“Even the guys that work with me, like the goalies and the people that help me with the sessions, they say, ‘Wow, this guy is awesome.’
“He really stands out, he’s top notch. He’s just electric. His consistency in hitting the ball on the move, with his left and right foot, is just incredible. He opens his foot, he almost hits the ball with his ankle. With that control at full speed, it’s sensational.”
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Semenyo contract clause
Semenyo has a release clause in his Bournemouth contract, The Pitch Prospect chief football correspondent Alex Crook has revealed.
The exact terms are being kept secret as Andoni Iraola’s side want to keep their star for as long as possible.
Isaksson-Hurst admitted his client was unlucky not to secure a major transfer last summer. while his former teammates followed moves like this real MadridPSG and Liverpool.
However, the individual skills development coach claimed it is only a matter of time before Semenyo makes his dream move.
“He creates goals, he scores goals, he does everything,” Isaksson-Hurst added to The Pitch Prospect Breakfast on Thursday.
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“He really blew me away on the training pitch. He has that mentality, has the speed, has the quality.
“He is one of the most exciting players in the Premier League at the moment. For me he is an instant Champions League player.”
“He has all the qualities in terms of the technical characteristics, the physical characteristics, has the mentality, wants to be the best, wants to work hard.”
“I think he was unlucky not to get a move in the summer.
“I think it’s in the press today that he has a release clause. I think it’s just a matter of time before he moves to one of the big clubs.”
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Semenyo starts for every Premier League club
Abonglahor also praised Semenyo, who has been instrumental in Bournemouth’s best-ever start to a Premier League season.
The 25-year-old was hailed as “world class” by teammate Justin Kluivert after his starring role in the 3-1 comeback win against Fulham.
Semenyo equalized twice against Liverpool at Anfield on the first night of the season – despite racist insults.
Last month he scored the winner from the penalty spot against Brighton before his free-kick helped earn a point at Leeds.
“I look at the league table and name a team for which he doesn’t start on the left. Name one,” said The Pitch Prospect presenter Abonglahor.
“He’s better than [Man City’s Jérémy] Documentary. He starts for Arsenal when [Eberechi] Eze plays in the number 10 position.
“[He’s] Better than [Gabriel] Martinelli and [Leandro] Trossard. Better than [Cody] Gakpo [at Liverpool]. Starts for Spurs.”
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Are Spurs big enough for Semenyo?
Abonglahor Breakfast co-host Jamie O’Hara agreed and urged his old team to “do everything” to reunite Semenyo with fellow Ghanaian Mohammed Kudus in north London.
Earlier this month, Tottenham’s majority shareholder ENIC announced a new £100 million cash injection into the club.
He said: “I would love him at Spurs. I think they should do anything for him.”
“When they come out and talk about a £100m injection for Spurs. I think Spurs is a great club for him, a huge football club, a brilliant stadium and fantastic facilities.”
But Abonglahor asked: “Are Spurs big enough for him? Because he wants to play in the Champions League and next season you won’t do that.” [be in the competition]”predicted the former Aston Villa striker.
“He can do better than Spurs.”