Crystal Palace have emerged as the surprise frontrunners to sign Andoni Iraola as their next manager, with Spanish outlet El Chiringuito reporting that a deal is nearing completion at Selhurst Park — in a significant twist that threatens to derail Chelsea's pursuit of one of English football's most coveted coaches.
Iraola, 43, is leaving Bournemouth at the end of the season after three successful campaigns and has attracted interest from several clubs. Chelsea have been the most prominent name linked with his services, making contact with his agent, but Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Iraola has "some concerns" about taking the Chelsea job this summer — citing the level of ownership influence over managerial decisions under BlueCo as a key reservation.
Why Palace are in the picture
Crystal Palace are in the market for a permanent manager following the confirmed departure of Oliver Glasner in June, and moved swiftly to present Iraola with a proposal described as a "lucrative" long-term project. The appeal of Palace over Chelsea may appear counterintuitive on paper, but Iraola has publicly stated he values stability and a clear footballing identity above prestige — and Palace under their current ownership structure can offer more of both.
Romano confirmed on his YouTube channel that Palace "offered him" the job and that Iraola is "waiting to see if another club" — interpreted as a reference to Chelsea — makes a more convincing case. Xabi Alonso has now also emerged as a serious Chelsea candidate, adding a new dimension to their search.
With seven or eight names under active consideration, Chelsea are not close to a decision. Xabi Alonso, Marco Silva of Fulham and Iraola remain the frontrunners in various reports, while Paul Merson publicly stated his belief that Chelsea's ownership model means the days of attracting elite managers who command respect are effectively over.
