Former Watford captain and English football icon Troy Deeney has shared his thoughts on Antoine Semenyo’s decision to commit his long-term future to AFC Bournemouth, expressing a mix of surprise and understanding.

The Ghanaian forward penned a new contract that will keep him at the Vitality Stadium until the summer of 2030, a move that raised eyebrows considering reported interest from Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester United.

Deeney, speaking in an interview, acknowledged the logic behind the move but admitted he expected Semenyo to hold off a little longer.

> “Yes, you’ve got to get a new deal because you’ve got to be paid while you’re playing well,” Deeney said. “But I thought he would’ve waited one more month—see what was out there, see what happens.”

He added, “I’ve been there before. When someone puts a contract with that kind of money in front of you, it’s very difficult to say no.”

Semenyo has enjoyed an impressive spell with the Cherries, netting 19 Premier League goals over the past two seasons and cementing himself as a key figure in Andoni Iraola’s setup.

Despite the external attention, the 25-year-old seems focused on continuing his growth at Bournemouth—a decision that, while surprising to some, could prove wise in the long run.