CHERRIES have rewarded Antoine Semenyo for his “incredible first full season” at the club with a new five-year contract.

Semenyo joined Cherries from Bristol City for around £9million in January 2023, on a deal until the summer of 2027.

After a slow start to his time at the club, partly down to injury, Semenyo burst into life under Andoni Iraola last season.

The Ghana international proved to be one of the surprise packages of the Premier League, nailing down a starting spot on the right wing to devastating effect.

The 24-year-old contributed eight goals and two assists in 36 appearances and has now been rewarded with a new long-term contract, which runs until 2029.

Discussing the decision to tie Semenyo down to a fresh deal, chief executive Neill Blake said: “It has been clear for all to see the rate of Antoine’s development since joining 18 months ago.

“He has gone from strength to strength, and enjoyed an incredible first full season with us.

“Agreeing on a new long-term contract was important for us to recognise his contribution as a key member of our squad.

“We’re excited to see this continue for years to come.”

Semenyo was nominated for the Premier League player of the month award for March, highlighting his stellar form in the top flight.

During the campaign, he scored goals against Liverpool, Burnley, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers, as well as a brilliant brace in the astonishing 4-3 comeback win over Luton Town.

Semenyo scored eight Premier League goals last season (Image: Richard Crease)

Semenyo, who has two goals in 21 caps to his name for his country, has played 47 times for Cherries in total, scoring nine goals.

He previously spent time out on loan at Bath City, Newport County and Sunderland, before returning to feature regularly for Bristol City, ahead of his Cherries move.

Asked by the Daily Echo towards the start of Iraola’s reign, about adapting to his role on the wing, Semenyo said: “It’s a lot of running, I’d say that!

“But I think it’s worked really well.

“It has been tough.”

Asked if he felt fitter than he’d ever been, Semenyo added: “Yes, you could say that.

“But it’s a benefit for all of us, being fitter.

“At least we can run longer in games and hopefully kill teams off.

“There’s loads of running. The running is crazy, but you just have to give your all.”

Discussing Semenyo’s form during March, when he received his award nomination, Iraola said: “He is making the difference.

“He is now adding the numbers.

“He had an injury in the tibia and didn’t do a proper pre-season, but after just two or three training sessions, he performed in the first game of the season against West Ham.

“From there, he has been doing really well.

“He has been also adding some endurance, he is finishing some games and he is becoming a better player.”

Semenyo returned for pre-season testing over the weekend, ahead of Cherries’ trip to USA next week.