This Spanish manager is one of top candidates for biggest Premier League job this summer

The coaching carousel in the Premier League is about to be a historic one as some of the biggest clubs around England could be looking to make a change on the touchline. One name seems to be appearing on everyone’s radar, and it may not be who you think.

Most desired manager of the summer?

Chelsea just parted ways with Liam Rosenior, and are certain to be on the look out for a manager that can come in and bring back some of the luster that has been lacking at Stamford Bridge. Manchester United have yet to decide if Michael Carrick is the man for the job for the long term, and doubts over the future of Arne Slot have been growing despite Liverpool’s almost assured Champions League spot next year.

The uncertainty is going to spark plenty of speculation as the season comes to an close. One thing that is certain is that each of those clubs will be considering Spanish manager Andoni Iraola for the permanent job on their touchline. He has become the en vogue manager in the Premier League this season as his attacking style of play and historic results with Bournemouth has launched him onto the short list of some of the biggest clubs in England.

The Basque coach has had a meteoric rise since making his managerial debut with Greek club AEK Larnaca in 2018. A year later he went to newly promoted second division side Mirandes and took them to the semifinals of the Copa del Rey in his one and only year with the club. Rayo Vallecano came calling shortly after the Copa run, and the former Athletic Bilbao defender helped bring Rayo back to the Spanish first division in his first year in Vallecas and took his side to the semifinals of the Copa Del Rey in the following season.

Bournemouth headed for history

After three seasons with Rayo, Bournemouth brought the Spaniard to Dean Court in the summer of 2023. He immediately rallied the club that had only six seasons in the Premier League to their best finish with 48 points in his first season. Last year he improved on that 12th place finish with a 9th place finish while setting a club record with 56 points.

This season, Bournemouth have their sights set on a historic run to European soccer. With four match days to go they have 49 points and sit in 7th place, which would qualify them for the Conference League next season. They are a point behind Brighton who are sixth, and would be playing in the Europa League next year if the season ended today. There are also five teams chasing Bournemouth, all within three points of their 7th placed spot. His contract runs out at the end of the season and he has repeatedly refused extensions offered from his current club.

Chelsea is the only club that are certain to be looking for a permanent manger this summer. The United board will have to decide on Michael Carrick’s future, but as reported by The Telegraph, he is the biggest challenger to Carrick continuing at Old Trafford. Liverpool also have to decide if Slot is the man for the long term at Anfield, and if not Iraola will be on the shortlist with another fellow Spanish manager, Xabi Alonso.

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