Andoni Iraola has informed Bournemouth that he will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season, ending a three-year tenure. The 43-year-old's decision has triggered interest from several Premier League clubs and his boyhood team Athletic Bilbao.
Iraola, who joined Bournemouth in June 2023, led the club to a record points tally and a ninth-place finish last season, matching Eddie Howe's achievement in 2016-17. He also oversaw the sales of key players for over £250m, including Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi.
Bournemouth's owner Bill Foley praised Iraola's impact, stating he 'brought intensity, innovation, and a clear philosophy.' The club is now accelerating the search for a successor, with Marco Rose of RB Leipzig the leading contender. Ipswich's Kieran McKenna is also of interest but is under contract until 2028.
Iraola, a former Athletic Bilbao full-back with 510 appearances, is a frontrunner to replace Ernesto Valverde at the Basque club, though Edin Terzic is also in the running. Crystal Palace have expressed admiration, but Iraola is expected to attract bigger clubs.
In a statement, Iraola said: 'I feel this is the right moment for me to step away, but I will always carry fantastic memories of this club.' Bournemouth's players were informed after training on Tuesday, and an appointment for his successor could come within the next fortnight.
