Man United? 

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Reports emerged this Tuesday that 43-year-old Spaniard Andoni Iraola will leave Bournemouth when his current contract expires at the end of this season. He last signed an extension in the summer of 2024, having joined Bournemouth 12 months earlier on an initial two-year deal. The Cherries are thought to have tried everything to keep Iraola at the club after 15 months of negotiations and are disappointed to lose him, but maintain a strong relationship. Bournemouth beat league leaders Arsenal 2-1 at the Emirates last weekend.

Following the decision, in a Bournemouth club statement, Chairman Bill Foley spoke on the impact Iraola has had over the last three years: “Andoni has been instrumental in shaping the direction of this football club over the past three seasons. He brought intensity, innovation, and a clear philosophy that elevated AFC Bournemouth both on and off the pitch. Whilst Tiago Pinto, the club’s Head of Football Operations, echoed the sentiments: “Andoni is someone I have a lot of admiration for, both as a head coach and as a person. His attention to detail, tactical intelligence and ability to bring the best out of players is something we have seen every day.”

Bournemouth are already underway with the search for Iraola’s replacement. Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna features highly in their thinking but other candidates are also reportedly under consideration. For Iraola himself, there will likely be plenty of potential suitors this summer, with the Basque coach earning a glowing reputation for his work on the south coast. Both Crystal Palace and Tottenham had already targeted Iraola earlier in the season, but he may have his sights set on an even bigger job now. Here at Transfermarkt, we have picked out four potential next clubs for Iraola this summer.

Four potential next clubs for Andoni Iraola

Manchester United

Following the sacking of Ruben Amorim in January, Manchester United chose to appoint an interim manager until the end of the season, and then a new permanent boss this summer. Michael Carrick initially done a fantastic job and is the favourite to get the role on a permanent basis. However, recent form has dipped and the fear of repeating the same mistake that the Red Devils endured with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may remain front of mind for the club’s hierarchy. Iraola has Premier League experience and could be seen as the man to get Man United going back in the right direction.

Chelsea

Chelsea do already have a current permanent boss in Liam Rosenior, but the position of the Blues head coach is never too safe, and if they miss out on Champions League football, don’t be surprised to see the Englishman’s time cut short. The hierarchy at Chelsea are thought to be admirers of Iraola, and could see him as the man to develop their young squad and eventually get them back competing at the top. Its likely thought that Iraola would demand guarantees to get more time than some of his predecessors.

Real Madrid

Moving away from the Premier League, and could Iraola be tempted back to his homeland for one of the biggest jobs in world football? Real Madrid will need a new manager this summer, with interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa unlikely to land the job on a permanent basis. Iraola has already impressed in LaLiga during his time at Rayo Vallecano, where he actually recorded famous wins against both Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Athletic Club

Another team that doesn’t quite boast the European heritage nor the money of the previous three clubs, but does offer huge emotional appeal is Basque team Athletic Club. Iraola made over 300 appearances for the Bilbao-based team as a player, and has the club in his heart. Nevertheless, they are unlikely to have Champions League football, and Iraola will be seriously restricted in the transfer market due to the club’s policy to only sign Basque players.