“You want to feel wanted, and I didn’t feel that”: Explosive star explains why he snubbed United this summer

Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo has revealed what motivated him to snub interest from the likes of Manchester United this summer.

United were interested in Semenyo

Heading into the ongoing summer transfer window, adding goals to the team was Ruben Amorim’s top priority after a 2024/25 campaign in which United struggled with regularly finding the back of the net.

United started the window with a bang, quickly wrapping up a deal for Matheus Cunha. The Red Devils then shifted their attention towards other attackers, including Semenyo.

Semenyo enjoyed a superb campaign, playing a crucial part in Bournemouth’s ninth-placed finish. He netted 11 Premier League goals while providing an additional six assists.

Last month, The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed that United explored a deal for Semenyo but they eventually opted against pressing ahead due to Bournemouth’s steep valuation of the forward.

Tottenham Hotspur were also named as an interested party in the Ghanaian, but much like United, they deemed Bournemouth’s asking price too prohibitive.

Soon after, Semenyo put pen to paper on a new deal, extending his stay at Bournemouth until 2030.

He has now revealed what motivated him to sign a fresh contract.

Semenyo speaks up

Semenyo told Sky Sports, “If you go somewhere, you want to feel wanted, and I didn’t feel that.”

“So this was my safe place. I felt wanted and it’s good to be back. It feels great.”

He added, “I just want to be playing. Playing injury-free and I think that’s the most important thing for me. We’ve got a good group here and we want to achieve top things this year, so it’s the best place to be right now.”

“This is my safe place, I felt wanted” 💬

Antoine Semenyo explains his decision to sign a contract extension at Bournemouth until 2030 💭 pic.twitter.com/uJUYALNE2O

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) July 20, 2025

United have since gone ahead and signed Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. An agreement with Brentford was struck late last week and the player has already had his medical.

An official announcement of his arrival is imminent.

Featured image Lewis Storey via Getty Images

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