With the expected news that Andoni Iraola is set to leave Bournemouth at the end of the season, the managerial merry-go-round has been kicked into overdrive.
The Spaniard has transformed the Cherries into one of the most exciting, high-pressing outfits in the Premier League, recently masterminding a stunning 2-1 win over Arsenal at the Emirates. His stock has never been higher, and after three seasons on the South Coast, a host of elite clubs are circling.
But where will the former Rayo Vallecano man land next? We take a look at the leading contenders for his signature.
Manchester United
The pressure on the Old Trafford hot seat never truly dissipates, and Iraola’s name has reportedly been high on the list in the INEOS era.
With United looking to implement a modern, high-intensity sporting structure, Iraola fits the tactical profile perfectly. His ability to improve individual players and implement a clear identity on a limited budget at Bournemouth suggests he could thrive with the resources available at United, who are desperate to reclaim their spot in the Champions League.
Interim boss Michael Carrick has done well at Old Trafford but a costly defeat to Leeds on Monday night is a setback.
Former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp tipped Iraola to make the move north earlier this season.
“He’s incredible,” former England midfielder Redknapp told Sky Sports. “What an asset to the club. He could manage any team in world football – I genuinely mean that.
“He’s got so much quality and he improves players. He gives young players opportunities. The system’s great – everything you do is very progressive, exciting, on the front foot. [Bournemouth] just have to enjoy him while he’s [there].”
Crystal Palace
Oliver Glasner is another man on the move this summer with his Palace era coming to an end.
After losing star man Eberechi Eze to Arsenal in the summer of 2025, Palace have been trying to rebuild but have still lost key players.
Iraola’s aggressive, vertical style of play would suit the pacey assets remaining at Selhurst Park, though he may feel his next step should be toward a club already competing in Europe’s best.
Newcastle United
The Magpies are a club with Champions League ambitions and a fanbase that demands front-foot football. While Eddie Howe remains a respected figure, a poor domestic season has put him under pressure and the ownership could look toward a “system coach” like Iraola.
His Bournemouth connection (following in Howe’s footsteps) makes for an easy narrative, but it’s his tactical acumen – specifically his ability to dismantle the “Big Six” – that truly excites the St James’ Park faithful.
Athletic Bilbao
The homecoming remains the most likely romantic destination. Iraola is a legend at San Mamés with over 500 appearances as a player, and rumours are swirling that he is the top choice to succeed Ernesto Valverde.
While former Dortmund boss Edin Terzić has also been linked, the Basque connection usually wins out in Bilbao. Iraola knows the club’s unique philosophy better than anyone, potentially making this a “when,” not “if” appointment.
Real Madrid
The landscape at the Bernabéu has shifted significantly. With Álvaro Arbeloa currently at the helm following the departure of Xabi Alonso (who succeeded Carlo Ancelotti), the club is in a new era of promoting from within. However, Florentino Pérez is always watching the most innovative tacticians in Europe. If the Arbeloa experiment falters, Iraola’s sophisticated setups and Spanish roots make him a prime candidate to bring “Iraola-ball” to the capital.
