Head coach Andoni Iraola has informed Bournemouth he will leave the club at the end of the season.
The news means Iraola’s three-year spell 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 seek new opportunities, most likely in the Premier League or his native Spain.
He has been linked previously with Crystal Palace, whose boss Oliver Glasner has already announced he will be leaving Selhurst Park, and Tottenham prior to the appointment of Thomas Frank last summer.
The 43-year-old would also be a contender for a role at Newcastle should Eddie Howe depart.
“It has been an honour to manage AFC Bournemouth and I am proud of what we have achieved together,” Iraola told the club’s official website. I’m thankful to the players and staff that I’ve worked with, as well as [chairman] Bill [Foley], who have all made my time here so special. As for the fans, you have continued to show your fantastic support to myself and the team, and for that I will always be grateful. I feel this is the right moment for me to step away, but I will always carry 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 brought intensity, innovation, and a clear philosophy that elevated AFC Bournemouth both on and off the pitch. We are incredibly thankful for his leadership and will always have great memories of our time working together, as well as the things we accomplished.”
Bournemouth flying under Iraola
Bournemouth are 11th in the Premier League table and unbeaten since early January. They enjoyed a shock 2-1 win at leaders Arsenal on Saturday and extended their run without defeat to a 12th league game.
Iraola joined the Cherries from Rayo Vallecano in June 2023 and transformed Bournemouth into one of the most aggressive pressing teams in the top flight.
They finished 12th in his first season in charge and ninth in the second.
European football has eluded them so far but a strong finish to this season will thrust them into contention.
Bournemouth will then have a major decision to make regarding a replacement. Howe could be tempted to make a return while Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna is another contender.
