Andoni Iraola has informed Bournemouth he will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season, with several Premier League jobs potentially arising. The 43-year-old's departure could also open the door for him to join his boyhood club Athletic Bilbao.
Iraola, who joined Bournemouth in June 2023, said in a statement: "I feel this is the right moment for me to step away, but I will always carry fantastic memories of this club." Bournemouth's owner Bill Foley thanked Iraola for his leadership, saying he brought intensity, innovation, and a clear philosophy.
Iraola has established himself as one of the most highly regarded managers in the league, leading Bournemouth to a record points tally last season. Despite hopes to retain him, the club grew resigned to losing him and are accelerating moves for his successor, with an appointment possible in the next fortnight.
Marco Rose is the leading contender to replace Iraola at Bournemouth, while Ipswich's Kieran McKenna is another head coach of interest but is under contract until 2028. McKenna has dismissed links to Bournemouth, focusing on his current role.
Iraola's future had been a talking point for months, and he kept his staff in the dark before deciding to call time after three seasons. He maintained regular dialogue with Bournemouth's director of football and technical director without committing his future across 15 months of negotiations.
