Premier League 2025-26: Andoni Iraola leaves Bournemouth at the end of the season

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola will leave the club at the end of this season, the Premier League club announced on Tuesday.

The Spaniard joined the south coast club in 2023 and led them to ninth place in the top flight last season, recording a career-high 56 points and reaching the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

“It has been an honor to lead AFC Bournemouth and I am proud of what we have achieved together,” Iraola said in a club statement confirming his departure.

The 43-year-old Spaniard joined in 2023 and replaced then head coach Gary O’Neil.

But his contract expires after the end of the current season and talks over a new deal were unsuccessful, despite Bournemouth reportedly wanting to keep Iraola at the Vitality Stadium.

The Spaniard, one of Europe’s most highly regarded coaches, can now leave the Cherries for free at the end of the campaign.

Iraola has been linked with a return to Spanish side Athletic Bilbao and Manchester United.

He spent 12 years as a player at Bilbao, making over 500 appearances for the club.

Tuesday’s announcement came just days after Iraola, who has six games remaining at Bournemouth this season, recorded a stunning 2-1 win against Premier League leaders Arsenal last weekend.

Iraola’s final home match is against Manchester City on Sunday, May 17, ahead of a trip to Nottingham Forest on the final day of the Premier League campaign.

He could peak by securing the first European qualification in Bournemouth’s history.

The Cherries are currently eleventh, two points clear of seventh place, which could see them in the Conference League next season.

Published on April 14, 2026