Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has announced his decision to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of this season. The news, which has been a topic of discussion for months, was revealed to players after training on Tuesday afternoon.
Iraola's departure puts several Premier League clubs on notice as he is expected to consider various job opportunities during the summer. His exit could also pave the way for him to join Athletic Bilbao, his childhood club. However, former Borussia Dortmund head coach Edin Terzic is currently considered a frontrunner for that position.
As Iraola prepares for his exit, speculation about potential successors has begun. Marco Rose, Terzic’s predecessor at Dortmund and former RB Leipzig coach, is thought to be a leading contender. Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town is another name in contention but remains under contract with the Championship club until 2028.
Three-season tenure comes to an rnd
Iraola's future had been uncertain for months before he decided it was time to call it quits after three seasons in charge of Bournemouth. Despite regular discussions with Bournemouth’s director of football Tiago Pinto and technical director Simon Francis over 15 months of negotiations, he refrained from committing his future.
Joining Bournemouth in June 2023, Iraola led them last season towards achieving a record points tally and matching their ninth-placed finish achieved by Eddie Howe in 2016-17.
Bournemouth manager, Andoni Iraola, said:
“I feel this is the right moment for me to step away, but I will always carry fantastic memories of this club.”
Despite selling key players Dean Huijsen, Illia Zabarnyi Milos Kerkez Dango Ouattara and Antoine Semenyo midway through last season for combined fees exceeding £250m; under Iraola's guidance they managed an impressive performance.
Bournemouth owner and chair, Bill Foley, said:
“Andoni has been instrumental in shaping the direction of this club … he brought intensity, innovation, and a clear philosophy that elevated AFC Bournemouth both on and off the pitch. We are incredibly thankful for his leadership and will always have great memories of our time working together.”
Respected figure in the league
Iraola has established himself as one of the most highly regarded managers in the league. Bournemouth had hoped to retain him, believing there was potential for further success under his leadership next season. However, they gradually accepted his departure as time went on.
The club is now fast-tracking moves for Iraola’s successor, with an appointment expected within the next fortnight. Iraola's future remains a topic of interest. The former full-back made 510 appearances for Athletic Bilbao and has previously hinted at preserving his legacy after spending 12 years there as a player.
While Crystal Palace expressed their admiration for Iraola earlier this year, he is expected to attract attention from larger clubs following Oliver Glasner's confirmation that he will leave Selhurst Park at season's end.
