Andoni Iraola will leave Bournemouth at the end of the current season (Image: Getty)
Andoni Iraola is set to leave AFC Bournemouth at the end of the season, meaning Manchester United could appoint him in the summer without spending a penny. The former Rayo Vallecano boss joined the Cherries in 2023 and has helped to establish them as a mainstay in the Premier League. There has been plenty of speculation over his future in recent months, with his contract expiring in the summer.
Bournemouth were eager to keep Iraola and spent 15 months trying to negotiate a new deal, but their efforts were ultimately in vain. He has decided to walk away from the Vitality Stadium when the campaign draws to a close, according to The Athletic. It’s claimed that although club chiefs are disappointed, they 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 boss Kieran McKenna among the standout candidates.
Ipswich, who are likely to be promoted to the Premier League this season, want to keep the Northern Irishman but will be powerless to stop him from leaving if Bournemouth decide to match his release clause.
Iraola’s impending exit is also an interesting development for Manchester United, who have been linked with a move for his signature ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Michael Carrick is only tied down until the summer, at which point a permanent manager will be appointed. Carrick has made a convincing case to be handed the full-time job but Old Trafford chiefs are still undecided on his future.
Iraola is one of several names to have been linked with the potential vacancy, alongside PSG boss Luis Enrique and departing Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner. He has also been tipped to join Newcastle if Eddie Howe is sacked.
Tottenham were interested in appointing Iraola towards the end of last season as a replacement for Ange Postecoglou. However, they ultimately decided to poach Thomas Frank from Brentford.
Iraola continues to be linked with the potential vacancy at Old Trafford (Image: Getty)
Iraola is currently overseeing a strong end to the season at Bournemouth, who have not lost in the Premier League since they were beaten by Arsenal in January.
That is despite the Cherries losing a number of key players in recent transfer windows, including the likes of Dean Huijsen, Dango Ouattara, Ilya Zabarnyi and Milos Kerkez.
Iraola has earned plenty of plaudits for instilling a forward-thinking, attacking style of play at the Vitality Stadium since his arrival three years ago.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp recently suggested that Iraola would be the ideal man for United if they decide against keeping Carrick beyond the end of the season.
Speaking after Bournemouth’s draw with the Red Devils last month, Redknapp said: “He is an elite manager. I think he is top. I love the way that Bournemouth play and he has been an absolute revelation.
“I think he could definitely do it [at United]. Bournemouth play with high energy and tempo that I think United would want if he was the one of the managers they looked at. I think he could definitely do that job.”
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