Andoni Iraola leaves Bournemouth at the end of the season (Image: Getty)
Andoni Iraola is set to leave AFC Bournemouth at the end of the season, with Manchester United potentially able to appoint him in the summer without spending a penny. The former Rayo Vallecano manager joined the Cherries in 2023 and helped establish them as a mainstay in the Premier League. There has been much speculation about his future in recent months as his contract expires in the summer.
Bournemouth were keen to keep Iraola and spent 15 months trying to negotiate a new contract, but their efforts were ultimately in vain. According to a reporter from The Athletic, he has decided to move away from the Vitality Stadium as the campaign draws to a close. It is claimed that club leaders are disappointed but respect his decision and maintain a strong relationship.
The report adds that Bournemouth have already started the process of finding a successor, with Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna one of the leading candidates.
Ipswich, who are likely to be promoted to the Premier League this season, want the Northern Irishman to stay, but they will be unable to prevent him from leaving if Bournemouth decide to accept his release clause.
Iraola’s impending departure is an interesting development for Manchester United, who are rumored to be looking to sign him ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Manager Michael Carrick will only be tied down until the summer, at which point a permanent manager will be appointed. Carrick has made a strong case to be given the full-time job, but the Old Trafford bosses are yet to decide on his future.
Iraola is one of several names that have been floated for the vacant position, along with PSG manager Luis Enrique and outgoing Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner. It has also been suggested that he could join Newcastle if Eddie Howe is sacked.
Tottenham were interested in signing Iraola to replace Ange Postecoglou towards the end of last season. However, they ultimately decided to poach Thomas Frank from Brentford.
Iraola remains linked with potential Old Trafford vacancy (Image: Getty)
Iraola is currently finishing the season on a high with Bournemouth, who have not lost in the Premier League since losing to Arsenal in January.
That’s despite the Cherries losing a number of key players in recent transfer windows, including Dean Huyssen, Dango Ouattara, Ilya Zabarny and Milos Kerkes.
Iraola has won much praise for instilling a forward-thinking and attacking style of play at the Vitality Stadium since joining three years ago.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp recently suggested that Iraola would be the ideal player if United decide not to keep Carrick beyond the end of the season.
Speaking after Bournemouth’s draw with the Red Devils last month, Redknapp said: “He’s an elite manager. I think he’s at the top. I love the way Bournemouth play and he’s been an absolute revelation.”
“I think he can definitely do that[at United]. Bournemouth play with a lot of energy and tempo, and that’s one of the managers that United are looking at. I think he can definitely do the job.”
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