Manchester City might pursue 42-year-old Spanish manager Andoni Iraola to replace Pep Guardiola, but Bournemouth will look to tie him to a new contract.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Andoni Iraola is the subject of interest from Manchester City. The Premier League champions are scouring the market for a manager amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term future of Pep Guardiola. So, the Bournemouth boss has emerged as a target, although the Cherries want to tie the 42-year-old to a new deal.
The rise and rise of Andoni Iraola
Andoni Iraola has established himself as one of the best young managers in the world in the last few years. A native of Usurbil, the Spaniard was a right-back during his time as a footballer and turned out for Athletic Club and New York City FC. He called time on his professional career in 2016 before entering the managerial sphere two years later.
Iraola’s first foray into the coaching world came with Cypriot club AEK Larnaca before returning home for a spell with CD Mirandes. However, the 42-year-old rose in prominence during his spell with Rayo Vallecano, helping Los Franjirrojos make a splash in La Liga. That earned him a job with Bournemouth, with the Premier League club landing him ahead of the 2023/24 season.
The Spanish tactician enjoyed a solid debut season with Bournemouth and has come leaps and bounds this term, taking his team to eighth in the standings, only three points behind fourth-placed Manchester City. Interestingly, Iraola has emerged as a target for Manchester City with his exploits for Bournemouth.
What next?
Widespread reports have linked Andoni Iraola with several high-profile clubs, including Chelsea, this year. With Manchester City also showing interest in the Spaniard, Bournemouth will be in a spot of bother in the coming months.
The Premier League champions are sweating over the long-term future of Pep Guardiola amid a dreadful run of form. So, they are scouring the market for a long-term replacement for Guardiola if the former Barcelona manager does not continue at the Etihad. However, Bournemouth will look to tie Iraola to a new contract.
The Spanish tactician signed a 12-month extension with Bournemouth earlier this year, and his current contract will run out in less than 19 months. It will be interesting to see if Manchester City can turn Iraola’s head or if the 42-year-old remains committed to Bournemouth.