Paul Merson Warns Bournemouth Over Big-Money Transfers Amid Semenyo Uncertainty Paul Merson

Paul Merson Warns Bournemouth Over Big-Money Transfers Amid Semenyo Uncertainty.
Paul Merson has issued a stark warning to the AFC Bournemouth board, insisting that a €40 million outlay on a single player is simply not realistic under the club’s current financial framework regardless of how much they may earn from a potential sale of Antoine Semenyo.

Speaking amid growing speculation over Semenyo’s future, with Manchester City repeatedly linked, Merson argued that Bournemouth’s hands are tied by the incoming ‘Squad Cost Ratio’ financial regulations. The new rules, designed to limit spending relative to revenue, will significantly affect the Cherries’ ability to reinvest heavily in the transfer market.

“Hate to break it to the Bournemouth board, but spending €40 million on one player is really not on their agenda,” Merson said. “It doesn’t matter how much they sell Semenyo for. These new financial rules are going to change how clubs like Bournemouth operate moving forward.”
Merson went further, claiming the club should cash in on Semenyo while his value is at its peak. He suggested Bournemouth should have accepted a huge offer believed to be around £85 million from Manchester City—arguing that any top club would still push ahead with a deal regardless of Bournemouth’s valuation.
According to the former Arsenal midfielder, the real danger lies not in selling Semenyo, but in failing to replace him adequately.

“It will be painful to watch if Bournemouth refuse to buy a standard replacement worth around £40 million,” Merson added. “If they sell a star player and don’t properly reinvest, the drop-off in quality can be massive.”
Semenyo has been one of Bournemouth’s standout performers, and his potential departure would leave a significant gap in Andoni Iraola’s squad.

However, with financial rules tightening and spending power restricted, Merson believes the club must be pragmatic—sell smart, recruit wisely, and avoid chasing fees that don’t align with their long-term strategy.
As the transfer window approaches, Bournemouth now face a delicate balancing act between ambition and sustainability, with Semenyo’s future set to define their next chapter.