Marco Rose has emerged as the leading candidate to take over the managerial reins at AFC Bournemouth, according to sources close to the club. Sky Sports News reports that the seaside side have narrowed their search for a successor to Andoni Iraola down to three names, with the former RB Leipzig boss featuring prominently alongside Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna.
The Cherries are keen to appoint a new head coach swiftly after confirming that Iraola will depart at the end of his contract. Rose, who was dismissed by Leipzig in March 2025, is currently available and is widely regarded as the most likely choice.
His résumé includes a Bundesliga title, a German Cup and valuable Champions League experience, making him an attractive prospect for a club that aspires to compete for European qualification. In addition, his footballing philosophy – which he describes as built on "emotion, hunger and activity" – mirrors many of the principles Iraola instilled at Bournemouth, such as high‑intensity pressing, quick transitions and a focus on winning aerial duels.
Kieran McKenna, the 38‑year‑old former Manchester United assistant who has been steering Ipswich Town back towards the Premier League, also features on the shortlist. McKenna is in the midst of a promotion push, and his potential involvement in a playoff campaign could delay any immediate move to the south coast. Nevertheless, his reputation for developing young talent and his recent success in the English Championship keep him firmly in the conversation. Another name occasionally linked to the role is Iñigo Pérez, Iraola’s former deputy who now manages Rayo Vallecano.
Pérez accompanied Iraola to Bournemouth in 2023 but left shortly after due to work‑visa complications. While he enjoys high regard within the club, insiders suggest he is not part of the current three‑man shortlist.
Iraola’s tenure at the Vitality Stadium began in June 2023 after the departure of Gary O'Neil. In his three‑year spell, the Spanish coach guided Bournemouth to a historic ninth‑place finish in the Premier League last season, setting a new club‑record points total and sparking talk of a possible first‑ever European campaign.
Despite rumours linking him with a return to Athletic Bilbao or even a role at Manchester United, the club announced on Tuesday that his contract will not be renewed and that he will leave at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season. In his farewell statement, Iraola thanked the players, staff and chairman Bill Foley for their support, and praised the fans for their unwavering dedication. "It has been an honour to manage Bournemouth and I am proud of what we have achieved together," he wrote. "I feel this is the right moment for me to step away, but I will always carry fantastic memories of this club." Sky Sports analyst Mark McAdam reflected on the difficulty of replacing a manager who has become almost synonymous with the club’s recent rise.
"When they appointed a relatively unknown Spaniard in July 2023, no one expected such rapid progress," he noted. "A solid first season followed by two campaigns flirting with European spots is remarkable for a club of Bournemouth’s size. The next step is to build on that foundation and perhaps add a major trophy to the cabinet for the first time in the club’s history." The club’s hierarchy appears eager to finalize the appointment within the next week or two, allowing them to begin pre‑season planning and, if necessary, map out a European schedule.
Rose’s availability and his track record of delivering silverware align with Bournemouth’s ambition to make a splash on the continental stage. Moreover, his emphasis on an aggressive, forward‑moving style could provide a seamless transition from Iraola’s methods, preserving the identity that has resonated with the fans. McKenna, meanwhile, continues his promotion charge with Ipswich, aiming to secure a return to the top flight. Should he decide to leave before the season’s end, it could open the door for a swift move to Bournemouth, but the logistical challenges of a playoff run make this scenario less likely in the short term.
In summary, Marco Rose stands out as the frontrunner to replace Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth, with Kieran McKenna and possibly Iñigo Pérez also in contention. The club’s priority is to secure a manager who can sustain the progress made over the past three years, push for European qualification, and perhaps bring home the first major trophy in its history. The coming days will reveal whether Rose’s name will be confirmed as the next head coach, or if the Cherries will opt for a different direction as they prepare for the 2026/27 campaign.