Bournemouth Manager Backs Ghana Star Semenyo to Shine This Season

Iraola Backs Ghana's Semenyo to Continue Premier League Form in New Season

By Emmanuel Austin Baah On Aug 4, 2025

Antoine Semenyo of AFC Bournemouth and Manager Andoni Iraola, applaud the fans after the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Leicester City FC at Vitality Stadium on May 25, 2025 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has expressed strong confidence in Ghana international Antoine Semenyo, tipping him to maintain his impressive performances in the upcoming Premier League campaign.

Semenyo recently committed his long-term future to the Cherries, signing a contract extension that will keep him at the Vitality Stadium until the summer of 2030. The 24-year-old forward attracted interest from several clubs following a standout season, but opted to remain with Bournemouth.

Last season, Semenyo registered 13 goals and five assists in 42 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as a key figure in Iraola’s squad.

Speaking ahead of the new season, the Spanish tactician commended Semenyo’s development and underlined his growing influence within the team.

“Antoine is someone who has progressed significantly — not just last year, but throughout the two years I’ve worked with him,” Iraola told the media. “He came through the lower leagues, reached the Premier League, improved season after season, featured more regularly, posted better statistics, and became increasingly important for the team. I hope he can maintain that upward trajectory.”

Iraola also highlighted Semenyo’s potential to take on a leadership role within the squad.

“I hope he can continue to progress and also bring us the benefit of his experience,” he added. “If he performs like he did last season — not just in terms of goals and assists, but in the effort and commitment he brings — he’ll remain a vital player for us.”

Semenyo has shown promising form during pre-season and will be aiming to carry that momentum into Bournemouth’s opening Premier League fixture against Liverpool.

Author

Emmanuel Austin Baah

My name is Emmanuel Austin Baah, professionally known as “Okocha”. I am a seasoned Ghanaian journalist, broadcaster and football commentator from Senya Bereku in the Central Region. My work reflects a strong commitment to factual reporting, ethical journalism and the continuous promotion of Ghanaian sports.

I am currently pursuing my studies at Cape Coast Technical University, building on a solid foundation of media practice and communication. I previously served as a sports producer at Radio Gold (90.5) and Montie FM (100.1) in Accra, where I was actively involved in editorial planning, programme production, live commentary and in-depth sports analysis.

Presently, I am a Senior Writer at SportsNetGhana.com, a role in which I produce well-researched features, match reports, athlete profiles and analytical pieces. My work consistently highlights emerging talents, captures key sporting developments and contributes to shaping informed sports discourse in Ghana.

Over the course of my career, I have covered numerous major sporting events both locally and internationally. Among these, the highlight remains my coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a significant milestone that strengthened my expertise in global football reporting and enhanced my understanding of international sports dynamics.

I am widely recognised for my clarity of analysis, engaging commentary style and strong command of both local and global football trends. Beyond the newsroom, I participate in community initiatives aimed at developing young sports journalists and promoting youth engagement in sports.

For professional engagements, media collaborations or enquiries, please contact me on 0265284330.

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