Report: Bournemouth £70m Demands Put Premier League Giants Off | OneFootball

Antoine Semenyo: Bournemouth Stand Firm Amid Big-Club Interest

Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur have all found themselves frustrated in their pursuit of Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, with the Cherries making it abundantly clear they will not entertain offers below £70m.

Semenyo, who has been a revelation on the South Coast, is central to Bournemouth’s plans after signing an improved four-year deal. Despite interest from across the Premier League and abroad, Bournemouth are in no rush to sell—especially after lucrative deals involving Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez to Real Madrid and Liverpool respectively.

Spurs Lead the Chase, But Cherries Hold the Cards

Among the interested clubs, Tottenham Hotspur appear the most eager, having maintained dialogue with Bournemouth after an initial enquiry. With Thomas Frank keen to bolster his attacking options, Semenyo fits the profile. However, Bournemouth remain “relaxed about the situation,” according to The i Paper, and their valuation reflects a wider trend of inflated prices for Premier League-proven talent.

Newcastle had initially earmarked Semenyo as a fallback option to Anthony Elanga but have now reportedly cooled their interest. United, meanwhile, are expected to prioritise Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, which could ultimately relieve the pressure on Semenyo’s valuation—though this remains speculative.

Transfer Market Shifts: Premier League Experience at a Premium

Semenyo’s valuation is consistent with other moves in this summer’s market. Brentford’s Mbeumo and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze both carry price tags north of £60m, with United paying £55m up front for Matheus Cunha and negotiating over add-ons.

Photo: IMAGO

“There has been a clear shift from Premier League clubs towards signing players with top-flight experience,” writes Mark Douglas. One recruitment executive echoed this sentiment, citing the physicality and intensity of English football as driving forces behind this trend.

“Every attacking player you ask about is being put in the £60m bracket now,” an agent commented, further justifying the stance taken by Bournemouth.

Bournemouth’s Leverage and Long-Term Vision

With no financial urgency to sell, Bournemouth are exercising rare leverage in today’s volatile transfer market. Semenyo’s new contract, his proven Premier League pedigree, and the club’s recent profit from major defensive sales have all strengthened their position.

Crucially, his valuation isn’t arbitrary—it’s benchmarked against comparable players and reflects the market’s evolution. For Spurs, Newcastle and United, this might be a deal to revisit, but only if they’re willing to pay the going rate.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Bournemouth fan’s perspective, this report is both reassuring and invigorating. For years, the Cherries have been perceived as a selling club, with limited power to resist the financial might of Premier League giants. But in Semenyo’s case, the narrative has shifted. The club’s firm stance signals ambition—a desire not just to survive in the top flight, but to build around their best talents.

Semenyo has not only impressed with his pace and direct style but also with his end product, contributing crucial goals and assists last season. At 25, he’s entering his prime, and tying him down to a new contract was a clear statement of intent. Fans will welcome the idea that Bournemouth are no longer obliged to cash in on assets prematurely.

The reported £70m valuation is bold, but in today’s market—where even fringe attacking options fetch £50m+—it’s not unrealistic. Supporters understand that while big clubs might circle, Semenyo’s best football might still lie ahead at the Vitality Stadium.

This approach also reflects Bournemouth’s smart recruitment and financial discipline. Profiting from the likes of Huijsen and Kerkez has given the club breathing room and allows them to retain stars without compromise.

Ultimately, for fans, this is more than just a transfer saga—it’s a sign that Bournemouth are growing into their Premier League status, and they’re doing it on their own terms.