Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola admits it will be a “massive hit” if Antoine Semenyo leaves the club to join Manchester City in this month’s transfer window – while Brennan Johnson has completed a £35million move from Tottenham to Crystal Palace.
Semenyo has been in dazzling form so far this season, scoring nine goals in 18 Premier League games and attracting the interest of Man City boss Pep Guardiola.
The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester in the 2026 January transfer window – but Cherries boss Iraola hailed his professionalism, saying the rumours have not affected his attitude or performances on the pitch.
Iraola plans to play Semenyo in upcoming games with Arsenal and Tottenham [January 3 and 7, respectively], and he told Sky Sports: “I think the idea at least [is] that he’s going to be available in these two home games in a short turnaround.
“I hope he can be here for more time – but I don’t know what’s going to happen.
“The market is open, you never know what’s going to happen. I cannot control things, but right now I don’t think so.
Nothing signed
“There is nothing signed. For sure there are conversations, I understand the noise around but Antoine is our player.
“I hope to keep him for a lot of time, I want to keep him for a lot of time. But I don’t know what’s going to happen.
“He’s playing very well. He’s doing the right things, a top professional and top guy.
“He wants to help the team and team-mates, I have no doubts that he will do his best, there are no doubts with him.
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Behaving well
“Antoine is behaving really, really well. There is a lot of noise around him, he’s been a top professional. I think he will be until the last day.
“Obviously he’s been a massive player for us. Not only this season, but everyone has to give their best.
“If we lose Antoine, it’s going to be a massive hit. You have to move on. Football is like this.
“We are not going to lose him for nothing. If we lose him, it’s because the club agrees it’s a good deal.”
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Palace pick up Johnson
One player who has completed a move, however, is Wales winger Johnson, who will be lining up in Palace colours after sealing a club-record transfer to Selhurst Park.
The 24-year-old has struggled for game time under Tottenham boss Thomas Frank this season, and is excited about his career with the Eagles, having signed a four-and-a-half-year deal.
Palace have arguably missed some creativity on the wings since selling England star Eberechi Eze to Arsenal for £67.5million in the summer.
And Johnson said: “I’m really excited and I’m really happy.
“Crystal Palace are such a great club, one that I’ve always admired.
“It’s a great time for me to be here and join the journey that this club is on.”
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Credit to the club
Palace manager Oliver Glasner is “delighted” to add Johnson to his playing pool, with the Eagles currently sitting 10th in the Premier League table after winning seven of 19 games.
Glasner said: “He arrives very early in the window, so credit to the club for making this happen so quickly.
“Brennan will give us options in our attacking play with his pace and goalscoring ability and with all the upcoming games he will be a valuable addition to the squad.”
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