Bournemouth are doing far better than what experts, budgets and player base would suggest. From being an obvious relegation candidate, Andoni Iraola has ensured stability and an upswing.
Now he has announced his retirement after the season, which he would not do unless there was something bigger going on. – A number of clubs have him on their lists of current manager candidates. He was in the mix the last time Tottenham were on the lookout, he is also relevant for Manchester United, Newcastle, Liverpool, Athletic Bilbao, Manchester City and most recently Bayer Leverkusen.
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Andoni Iraola is becoming a serious manager option across Europe
The Spaniard does not currently have a new club ready, after he confirmed on Tuesday that he is leaving Bournemouth. But his impressive work in recent seasons means that he is still highly sought after as clubs start nailing down their plans before the summer.
Sources indicate that Leverkusen are actively considering possible changes in their managerial role, and they are weighing whether to part ways with Kasper Hjulmand.
If they choose a new direction, Iraola is understood to be among the leading candidates under consideration.
Iraola is also in the running for a return to Spain, as Athletic Bilbao are monitoring his situation as they consider their own managerial options.
However, he is not the only manager with strong Premier League ties that Leverkusen are considering. TEAMtalk understands that Fabian Hürzeler, who is currently impressing at Brighton & Hove Albion, is also on their shortlist.
Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank is another name under consideration, as his Premier League experience is considered a major advantage.
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Andoni Iraola arouses serious interest
As Leverkusen carefully weigh their next moves, and several clubs across Europe revolve around, Iraola’s future is shaping up to be one of the most important managerial matters to follow as the summer transfer window approaches.
Iraola also has admirers at Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United. “This is not a big surprise, given the success Iraola has had on the south coast.
He was appointed Bournemouth boss in 2023, and has led the club to 12th and 9th place in the Premier League – last season was the best in the club’s history.
Despite losing several key players this summer, the Cherries can do even better this season. They are currently in 11th place in the Premier League – just two points off the European qualifying places, and only three points behind sixth-placed Chelsea.
Now that Iraola’s departure at the end of the season has been confirmed, it looks like the battle for his signature will intensify.
Bournemouth, on the other hand, have already stepped up their plans to replace Iraola.
We understand that Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna and highly-rated German coach Marco Rose are leading candidates to replace Iraola at the Vitality Stadium.
