Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney believes Antoine Semenyo could end up playing for Real Madrid if the Bournemouth forward maintains his electrifying form this season.
The Watford legend described Semenyo as one of the Premier League’s “unsung heroes” during an appearance on talkSPORT, challenging the Ghanaian to sustain performances that have helped fire Bournemouth to an improbable second place finish in the early season standings.
“I just don’t know if Semenyo can keep it up, do you know what I mean?” Deeney said. “If he does, then my God, he’ll probably end up playing for Real Madrid. But I think he’s very good, very powerful, very direct. I just don’t know whether he’ll keep it up.”
The 25 year old’s numbers speak for themselves, with six goals and three assists in his opening nine league matches, a tally bettered only by Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. His pace and precision in the final third have transformed him into one of the division’s most dangerous attackers.
When pressed on whether he considered Semenyo among the top performers in the league, Deeney replied: “Yeah, he’s a good shout, Semenyo.”
Bournemouth sit just four points behind leaders Arsenal, a remarkable achievement for a club that sold over £200 million worth of players during the summer transfer window. Major departures included Milos Kerkez to Liverpool and Dean Huijsen’s £50 million move to Real Madrid, leaving the Cherries heavily reliant on Semenyo’s individual brilliance.
The forward’s explosive form has reignited transfer speculation that first emerged during previous windows. Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur all reportedly explored potential deals earlier, while Real Madrid and Chelsea are now said to be monitoring his progress closely.
Bournemouth’s refusal to entertain offers reaching £50 million underlines just how valuable Semenyo has become to their project. The club secured his long term future with a new contract signed in July 2025, extending his stay until 2030.
However, reports suggest the contract includes a confidential release clause, with the exact figure remaining undisclosed but reportedly lower than Bournemouth’s current £100 million valuation.
Since joining from Bristol City, Semenyo has evolved into an indispensable part of manager Andoni Iraola’s attacking system. His blend of physical power, directness, and improved finishing has drawn comparisons to the explosive wingers of previous generations.
Deeney’s assessment carries weight given his decade long Premier League career and reputation for straight talking punditry. His belief that Semenyo possesses the quality to compete at one of football’s most prestigious clubs reflects growing recognition across the sport.
The coming months could prove pivotal for Semenyo’s trajectory. With Ghana having secured their berth in the 2026 World Cup, a string of strong performances in North America could raise demand for the Bournemouth forward even more.
For Bournemouth, keeping hold of their talisman may prove increasingly difficult if the goals keep flowing. The club’s history as a selling outfit that profits from developing talent before shipping stars to bigger clubs could repeat itself should Europe’s heavyweights come calling with serious offers.
Iraola’s side face the challenge of balancing ambition with financial reality. While they’d love to build around Semenyo’s talents, rejecting astronomical bids from clubs like Real Madrid becomes harder when release clauses exist and the player’s head might turn.
The Ghanaian’s performances haven’t just caught the eye of potential suitors. Analysts across the Premier League have begun recognizing him as arguably the division’s most effective left winger this season, a remarkable turnaround for a player who arrived from the Championship just a few years ago.
Semenyo’s development under Iraola demonstrates the value of patience and proper tactical coaching. The Spanish manager’s high pressing, attacking system has allowed the forward to showcase his strengths while addressing weaknesses in his finishing that previously held him back.
Whether Deeney’s prediction materializes remains to be seen, but there’s no denying Semenyo has announced himself as a genuine top level talent. If he maintains this trajectory, the speculation won’t just continue but intensify as Europe’s elite circle like sharks sensing opportunity.
For now, Bournemouth fans can enjoy watching one of their own lighting up the Premier League. How long they get to keep him, however, might depend on just how seriously Real Madrid and others take Deeney’s bold forecast.
