Andoni Iraola to Depart Bournemouth as Club Shortlists Three Potential Replacements

Andoni Iraola, the head coach of Bournemouth, has announced that he will be leaving the club at the end of the current season. Following this news, Sky Sports News has learned that former RB Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund manager Marco Rose is among three candidates shortlisted to succeed Iraola. Iraola's contract is set to expire in three months, and despite numerous offers to extend his stay, he has opted to move on, amidst interest from his former club Athletic Club and links to other Premier League teams. Over the course of his three-year tenure at Bournemouth, Iraola has overseen a record-breaking period for the club. In a statement on the club's website, Iraola expressed that he feels it is the right time for him to step away from his position. His final home game will be against Manchester City on May 17, followed by a trip to Nottingham Forest on the last day of the Premier League season. Although Bournemouth attempted to persuade Iraola to stay, they respect his decision and appreciate the mutual respect that remains between the two parties. The search for Iraola's replacement has been ongoing, with three favored candidates currently on the club's shortlist. Bournemouth, currently sitting 11th in the league, still has the possibility of ending Iraola's time on a high note with a potential European qualification. Iraola has been a well-liked figure at the club since his appointment in June 2023, implementing an attacking and dynamic style of football. During his time at Bournemouth, the club achieved a record 56 points in the Premier League last season. However, this season has seen the sales of several key players, including Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, Illia Zabarnyi, Dango Ouattara, and Antoine Semenyo, for a total of £253m. Iraola's departure from Bournemouth will see him leave as one of the Premier League's most sought-after coaching prospects, with several clubs potentially vying for his services. Athletic Club is one such club, interested in bringing Iraola back to the Basque Country as they search for a new head coach to replace Ernesto Valverde. Iraola spent 12 years with Athletic Club and played over 500 games for the team. Other clubs, such as Crystal Palace and Tottenham, have also been linked with Iraola in the past, although they appear to have moved on to other targets. Manchester United is yet to make a decision on their next head coach, while speculation surrounding Eddie Howe's future at Newcastle has led to Iraola being touted as a potential replacement.