Marco Rose is reportedly the top contender for the Bournemouth manager position. The club has compiled a shortlist of three potential candidates to succeed Andoni Iraola, which includes Ipswich's Kieran McKenna.
Following the confirmation of Iraola's departure at the end of his contract, Bournemouth aims to swiftly appoint his replacement. Rose, who was dismissed by RB Leipzig in March 2025, is currently available. Meanwhile, McKenna is focused on securing promotion to the Premier League with Ipswich.
Another admired candidate, Iraola's former assistant Inigo Perez, is not currently on the shortlist. Iraola took the helm at Bournemouth in June 2023, leading the team to a ninth-place finish in the Premier League last season and setting a new club record for points. His contract is set to expire, and despite efforts to agree on a new deal, the club has accepted his decision to leave. Iraola has been linked to a return to Athletic Bilbao and the Manchester United position.
The news of his departure comes on the heels of a notable 2-1 win against Premier League leaders Arsenal. In a statement, Iraola expressed his gratitude to the players, staff, and fans, citing the right moment to step away. Analyst Mark McAdam notes that replacing Iraola will be a challenge, given his impressive tenure. The club has been working to find a suitable replacement, with Rose being a key candidate due to his experience and footballing philosophy, which aligns with Iraola's style.