Andoni Iraola is poised to depart AFC Bournemouth at the complete of the 2025/26 season, with his contract set to expire in July and talks over a new deal having failed. The Spanish manager confirmed his exit will come after three years in charge, during which he guided the Cherries to finishes of 12th and ninth in his first two Premier League campaigns. Bournemouth are currently 11th in the table after a notable 2-1 victory over Arsenal that extended their unbeaten run to 12 games – the club’s longest in the top flight.
Iraola’s departure has attracted interest from several clubs, including Athletic Bilbao, where he made over 400 appearances as a player. Reports from French outlet Foot01 suggest Olympique de Marseille have entered the race to appoint him as their next head coach, though no official approach has been verified through primary sources. Iraola has previously expressed a preference for returning to Spain’s Basque Country, where he was born and spent most of his playing career, citing family considerations as a key factor in his future decisions.
The Guardian reported that Iraola announced his imminent departure following Bournemouth’s win at the Emirates, stating he was “proud of what we achieved together.” The club had held negotiations to extend his contract but were unable to reach an agreement, leading to confirmation that his time at the Vitality Stadium will conclude this summer. His tenure has been marked by a high-intensity playing style that drew attention across Europe and resulted in several player sales to elite clubs for significant profits.
Bournemouth have identified Marco Rose as a leading contender to succeed Iraola, with the former Bundesliga manager reportedly in pole position for the role. Other names have been linked internally, but the club has not confirmed any official discussions beyond Rose. The search for a replacement comes as Bournemouth aim to build on their recent progress and remain in contention for European qualification next season.
Iraola’s managerial journey began in 2018 with AEK Larnaca, followed by spells at Mirandés and Rayo Vallecano before his appointment at Bournemouth in 2023. As a player, he represented Athletic Bilbao from 2003 to 2015, making 406 appearances and scoring 33 goals, before a brief stint with New York City FC in 2015–2016. He earned seven caps for Spain between 2008 and 2011 and also played for the Basque Country representative team.
Despite the growing speculation linking him to Marseille, no verified statement from the French club or Iraola’s representatives confirms an offer or negotiation. The interest remains unverified through official channels, and Iraola has not publicly commented on any potential move to Ligue 1. His focus appears to be on completing his current season with Bournemouth before evaluating future options.
The 43-year-old’s legacy at Bournemouth includes transforming the squad into a competitive Premier League side capable of challenging top teams, as evidenced by their victory over Arsenal. His tactical approach emphasized pressing and verticality, helping the club establish itself as one of the league’s more entertaining sides. With his contract expiring, the club now faces the task of appointing a successor who can maintain momentum ahead of the summer transfer window.
As of April 18, 2026, no official announcement has been made regarding Iraola’s next destination. Bournemouth supporters await clarity on both the managerial transition and the club’s direction moving forward. The next confirmed checkpoint is the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, after which Iraola will grow a free agent and Bournemouth are expected to announce their new head coach.
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