Iraola will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season

This was announced by head coach Andoni Iraola Bournemouth he will leave the club at the end of the season.

The news means Iraola’s three-year stay at the Vitality Stadium will come to an end this summer after the club failed to convince him to sign a new deal.

Iraola’s current contract runs until June, after which he will be free to pursue new opportunities, most likely in the Premier League or his native Spain.

He has previously been linked with Crystal Palace, whose boss Oliver Glassner has already announced he will leave Selhurst Park, and Tottenham before the appointment of Thomas Frank last summer.

The 43-year-old would also be a contender for a role at Newcastle should Eddie Howe leave.

« It has been an honor to manage AFC Bournemouth and I am proud of what we have achieved together. » This is what Iraola told the club’s official website. I’m grateful to the players and staff I worked with and (chairman) Bill (Foley) who made my time here so special. As for the fans, you have continued to show your fantastic support for me and the team and I will always be grateful for that. I feel this is the right time to step down, but I will always have fantastic memories of this club.”

Foley added: « Andoni has been instrumental in shaping the direction of this football club over the past three seasons. He has brought intensity, innovation and a clear philosophy that has elevated AFC Bournemouth both on and off the pitch. We are extremely grateful for his leadership and will always have great memories of the time we worked together and the things we achieved. »

Bournemouth fly under Iraola

Bournemouth are 11th in the Premier League table and are unbeaten since the start of January. They enjoyed a shock 2-1 win over leaders Arsenal on Saturday and extended their unbeaten run to 12 games in the league.

Iraola joined the Cherries from Rayo Vallecano in June 2023 and has turned Bournemouth into one of the most aggressive pressing teams in the top division.

They finished 12th in his first season in charge and ninth in his second.

European football has eluded them so far, but a strong finish to this season will push them into the race.

Bournemouth will then have to make an important decision regarding a replacement. Howe could be tempted to return, while Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna is another contender.