High profile clubs in England and Spain queuing up to secure Andoni Iraola’s services

Andoni Iraola has informed AFC Bournemouth that he will not continue at the club once his contract expires this summer. The feeling from the Basque coach is that a successful cycle has ended and that it will be very difficult to improve upon what has been achieved so far. Furthermore, he has several future opportunities that he wants to explore. This may be the right time for Iraola as the summer window will see the usual significant transfers and the 43-year-old is expected to form part of that movement.

It will depend on the timing, obviously, but the reality is that four big Premier League clubs and two high profile LaLiga clubs in Villarreal and Athletic Club are both interested in Iraola’s services. Athletic have confirmed that Ernesto Valverde will not continue in Bilbao and rumours are growing that Marcelino will be leaving Villarreal at the end of the 25/26 season.

German Edin Terzic has already been linked with the post in Bilbao and it’s no secret that former San Mames idol Iraola would like to oversee the club at some point in his managerial career.

Premier League options

However, the market where the most opportunities may arise is the Premier League. Four major clubs will be vacating positions at the end of the season, and Iraola is among the candidates. These are Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Liverpool. They are all part of the Big Six, some with head coaches under scrutiny, such as Slot (Liverpool) or Rosenior (Chelsea), and others with interim or temporary managers, such as Carrick (United) or De Zerbi (Tottenham).

UEFA Conference League favourites Crystal Palace are also rumoured to be poised to table a big money bid to secure the services of the Basque coach.

The decision will depend on how each team finishes the season, and on their ambitions and projects. Another highly sought-after manager, Xabi Alonso, is also available for the 2026-27 season and the former Madrid boss is already the number one favorite at Anfield. However, Iraola is seen as an attractive proposition having impressed formerly in Spain with Rayo Vallecano and more recently with AFC Bournemouth and competition for his services are expected to generate fierce competition.

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