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Andoni Iraola, the manager of Bournemouth, has dismissed concerns over Antoine Semenyo's release clause as rumors continue to circulate about a potential move to Liverpool for the Ghanaian international.
The 25-year-old forward, who was also courted by Manchester United and Tottenham, signed a new contract with Bournemouth this past summer. Earlier this week, reports emerged that his new contract, which extends until the summer of 2030, includes release clauses that could be activated in January or next summer.
If clubs are interested in signing Semenyo when the transfer window reopens in January, they could trigger such a clause to secure him for an initial £60 million plus £5 million in add-ons - around $85.5 million in total.
However, this clause is only active until a specific date in the winter transfer window, allowing Bournemouth time to find a replacement. The release clause then decreases further in the summer of 2026.
Liverpool is among several teams reportedly interested in Semenyo ahead of the January transfer window, but it remains uncertain whether the club will make a move for the striker.
In response to recent reports about Semenyo's release clause, Bournemouth boss Iraola stated that now is not the time to speculate about what might happen in January.
"We are in November, Antoine is our player, he will continue to be our player," he said at his latest pre-match press conference.
"In January, you can ask me about the market.
"But right now, I am not worried about the next market. I am not worried about the situation.
"In January, we will talk about whatever happened, the players we need."
Semenyo has emerged as one of the Premier League's most impressive performers this campaign.
With six goals and three assists from 11 top-flight appearances, only Erling Haaland has registered more goal contributions than the Ghana international (14 goals, one assist).
The forward faces a fitness test ahead of Bournemouth's Saturday fixture against West Ham, but if he maintains his excellent form, transfer speculation will inevitably intensify as the January window approaches.
Semenyo graduated from Bristol City's academy and spent time on loan at Bath City, Newport County, and Sunderland before joining Bournemouth two years ago.
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