Rumors have emerged that Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has been linked with Chelsea’s vacant position, which could lead to managerial tweaks elsewhere and increase the chances of a appointment.
Andoni Iraola’s transfer to Chelsea was a major development following the appointment of Spain’s new manager (Image: (Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images))
Chelsea could receive a major boost in their bid to sign Andoni Iraola after reports of a managerial agreement elsewhere. The 43-year-old is set to leave Bournemouth at the end of the season in search of a new challenge, with a move to Chelsea seemingly favorites following his previous association with Athletic Club.
Given his Basque roots, a move to the latter could be a big attraction for Iraola. However, local newspaper Deia claimed that an agreement had been reached for Edin Terzic to replace Ernesto Valverde, who will step down at the end of the season in his third stint in charge.
The former Borussia Dortmund manager, who was once linked with Tottenham, has been in talks with the Spanish club for several weeks. It now appears as if a solution has been found from those discussions and he will be in charge of the Spanish club from the 2026/27 season.
Iraola attracted interest from Athletic Club earlier this year and has been unbeaten with the Cherries since early January, so it would be no surprise to see him linked with the vacant seat at Stamford Bridge. However, he declined to say whether he would hold talks with Chelsea if a formal approach was made.
Speaking after Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Leeds United, he said: “No, I think I said that when I announced I wasn’t going to play again. For me it’s all about Bournemouth now. We have four games to go. We’re in an incredible position and we have an incredible fight ahead of us.”
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“Last week you asked me about other clubs. I don’t know which ones exactly, but out of respect for Bournemouth I can’t talk about my future right now because that’s not what Bournemouth supporters are worried about.”
Chelsea had only replaced Liam Rosenior in January and didn’t seem ready to make a new manager this year, but the club’s sacking after a 3-0 defeat to Brighton has left the club in trouble.
It has been confirmed that Callum MacFarlane has been appointed interim manager for the second time this season and will remain in charge until the end of the season. The final steps to secure a new permanent head coach may not begin until after the World Cup, with a number of potential candidates for the tournament in the United States.
Michael Carrick could play a role in Chelsea’s search for a new manager (Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United’s managerial choice could still have an impact on the Blues, with Michael Carrick set to take on the role long-term and one elite club ruled out. Alternatively, Chelsea could consider hiring Carrick themselves.
Just last weekend, he led United to victory at Stamford Bridge, winning eight of his 12 games in charge and effectively guaranteeing them a place in next season’s Champions League.
Xabi Alonso, Luis Enrique, Julian Nagelsmann and Cesc Fabregas are just a few of the big names likely to be brought into the squad in the coming months. However, Iraola remains the only manager to emerge as an early front-runner with consistent recent experience in charge in the Premier League.
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