Tottenham Missed Semenyo: A Transfer Plan That Fell Apart

Intermediate | February 14, 2026

✨ Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.

Tottenham missed Semenyo: Spurs Had a Target

Tottenham’s new coach Thomas Frank admitted something pretty blunt in late January: Tottenham missed Semenyo even after Spurs really tried to sign Antoine Semenyo—and still failed. Frank said the club “did everything” to bring the Bournemouth winger to North London before he ended up at Manchester City. (Sky Sports)

Why Tottenham Wanted Him So Badly

This wasn’t just a “nice-to-have” signing. Spurs have been trying to patch a big hole after Son Heung-min’s departure, and they also got hit by injuries to key attackers. Sky Sports reported that Tottenham’s need for a left-sided forward increased due to injuries to Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison, plus the sale of Brennan Johnson. (Sky Sports)

In other words: Spurs weren’t shopping for luxury—they were shopping for oxygen.

The Price Tag (And Why It Was Hard)

Semenyo wasn’t cheap. Reuters reported that City met a £65 million release clause (according to British media reports) and signed the Ghanaian winger after tracking him for years. Guardiola praised his ability to play on both wings, use “both legs,” and add pace and power up front. (Reuters)

That price tells you something important: Semenyo wasn’t just a “good Premier League player.” He was a high-demand asset.

The Business Problem: Competition

When a player has a clear release clause and multiple big clubs want him, it turns into a bidding war in everything except the fee. The money is fixed—so the fight moves to things like:

Project vision (“Where do we finish next season?”)
Role clarity (“Are you a starter?”)
Club momentum (“Are we going up or sliding down?”)

In Spurs’ case, Frank publicly defended the club’s approach, saying they can’t become “too obsessed with short-term fixes” that damage the long-term plan. (Sky Sports)

Semenyo’s Final Statement: Goals

Semenyo also made his point on the pitch before leaving Bournemouth. Reuters noted his last goal for Bournemouth was a stoppage-time winner in a wild 3–2 win over Tottenham. Then he moved to City and said joining Guardiola’s club at this stage of his career felt “perfect,” calling it a “privilege.” (Reuters)

For Spurs fans, that’s salt in the wound: he beat you… then joined your rival.

What It Means for Spurs

This story isn’t just gossip—it’s a case study in modern football business:

You can identify the right target… and still lose.
Timing matters (release clauses, windows, deadlines).
Club “value proposition” matters as much as money.

And if Spurs can’t replace Son with real impact players soon, the pressure on Frank—and the club’s decision-makers—will only grow. In plain terms, Tottenham missed Semenyo, and now they need a smart Plan B—fast.

Vocabulary

pursuit (noun) – the act of trying hard to get something.
Example: “Tottenham’s pursuit of Semenyo failed in the end.”
void (noun) – an empty space; a gap left when something is gone.
Example: “Spurs are still trying to fill Son’s void.”
release clause (noun) – a contract rule that allows a player to leave for a fixed fee.
Example: “City triggered Semenyo’s release clause.”
reinforce (verb) – to make something stronger by adding support.
Example: “City wanted to reinforce their winger options.”
hierarchy (noun) – the leadership structure of an organization.
Example: “Fans blamed the club’s hierarchy for weak transfer business.”
short-term fix (noun) – a quick solution that may not last.
Example: “Frank warned against a short-term fix that harms the future.”
timely (adjective) – happening at a useful or important moment.
Example: “Semenyo gave City a timely boost.”
versatile (adjective) – able to do many different things well.
Example: “Semenyo is a versatile winger who can play on both sides.”
trigger (verb) – to cause something to happen.
Example: “Several clubs were ready to trigger the clause.”
momentum (noun) – forward progress; growing energy or success.
Example: “City’s momentum made them an attractive destination.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

Why did Tottenham want Semenyo, according to Frank and Sky Sports?
What does it mean when a coach says the club “did everything” but still failed?
How did Semenyo’s goal against Tottenham add drama to this transfer story?
Why might a player choose Manchester City over Tottenham, even if Tottenham offers money?
What parts of this story feel more like “business strategy” than “football”?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Should sports teams think more about long-term planning or short-term results? Why?
In your job (or industry), what’s an example of a “short-term fix” that backfired?
What makes an offer attractive besides salary (role, culture, growth, stability, etc.)?
How do deadlines change negotiations in business?
If you were running Spurs, what would be your next move after missing Semenyo?

Related Idiom

“The ball is in your court.” – it’s your turn to act or make the next decision.

Example: “Now that Spurs missed Semenyo, the ball is in their court to find a new plan fast.”

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This article was inspired by: The Chosun Ilbo, Sky Sports, Reuters, and The Guardian.