The Perfect Last Touch: Antoine Semenyo Bows Out in Style for Bournemouth
It was a night charged with emotion at the Vitality Stadium as Antoine Semenyo appeared to play his final game for AFC Bournemouth and the Ghanaian forward ensured it was one to remember.
Semenyo, 26, signed off in dramatic fashion, scoring deep into stoppage time to seal a thrilling 3–2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. The goal, struck in the fifth minute of added time, sparked wild celebrations among the home fans and capped what felt like a fitting farewell for a player who has grown into one of the Premier League’s most decisive attackers this season.
Tottenham had drawn first blood through Mathys Tel, but Bournemouth responded with real intent. Evanilson and Eli Kroupi Jr turned the game on its head , showcasing the Cherries’ resilience. João Palhinha later restored parity for Spurs, setting the stage for a tense finale before Semenyo delivered the decisive moment.
As the ball hit the back of the net, the scenes said it all. Semenyo’s celebration carried the weight of a journey nearing its end, a final contribution that underlined his importance to Bournemouth and his readiness for the next step.
The win was significant beyond the emotion. It marked Bournemouth’s first league victory since late October, ending an 11-game winless run in emphatic fashion during their 12th attempt. For a team desperate for relief, Semenyo once again proved to be the difference-maker.
Individually, the numbers tell a remarkable story. Semenyo has now scored 10 Premier League goals this season, placing him among the league’s elite finishers. Only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland (20) and Brentford’s Igor Thiago (16) have found the net more times, a testament to the Ghanaian’s consistency and impact at the highest level.
All signs now point towards Manchester. Reports indicate Bournemouth have agreed a deal in principle with Manchester City for Semenyo’s transfer, believed to be worth around £60 million plus £5 million in add-ons.
City have reportedly fended off interest from Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham to secure the signature of the in-form forward, with an official announcement expected soon.
Semenyo joined AFC Bournemouth from Championship side Bristol City in January 2023 and became pivotal for the Cherries.
If this truly was Semenyo’s last dance in a Bournemouth shirt, it was a perfect goodbye—decisive, dramatic and deeply emotional. From Vitality Stadium hero to the brink of a move to the Etihad, Antoine Semenyo leaves behind memories that will linger long.