Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna
Bournemouth had been preparing their succession plans for some time as they awaited Iraola’s decision on signing a new long-term contract, which he has now done.
The club were informed during the last international break that, despite 15 months of negotiations and doing everything in their power to try and keep him, Iraola had decided to go.
The players were told during training yesterday that Iraola (above) was leaving, with the news later confirmed by the club.
“It has been an honour to manage AFC Bournemouth and I am proud of what we have achieved together,” Iraola said in a statement. “I’m thankful to the players and staff that I’ve worked with, as well as Bill \[Foley, the club chairman\], who have all made my time here so special.
“As for the fans, you have continued to show your fantastic support to myself and the team, and for that I will always be grateful. I feel this is the right moment for me to step away, but I will always carry fantastic memories of this club.”
Foley praised Iraola’s impact, hailing his “intensity” and “innovation”.
McKenna’s availability may hinge on whether Ipswich are promoted to the Premier League, while there is also believed to be a significant release clause of around £6m in the Fermanagh man’s contract at Portman Road.
Bournemouth are considering other candidates, including the former Borussia Dortmund coach Marco Rose, who is keen to work in the Premier League.
Iraola’s current deal expires at the end of the campaign, and his departure has been described as amicable. Although the Spaniard will be in demand, he has not yet decided on his next move.
Claims that he has already agreed a deal with his former club, Athletic Bilbao, where he spent 12 years as a player, have been refuted, although he has been considering returning to Spain. Athletic have been in talks with another former Dortmund head coach, Edin Terzic, to succeed Ernesto Valverde. It is understood that negotiations are advanced with Terzic.
If Iraola decides to stay in the Premier League, a number of clubs would be interested. Manchester United considered making a move in the past, as did Tottenham Hotspur, but both decided against pursuing Iraola.
It emerged last month that he’s a target for Crystal Palace to succeed the departing Oliver Glasner. Previously, clubs were put off by the £10m release clause fee in Iraola’s contract at Bournemouth, but he will now be a free agent.
There are set to be vacancies in the Premier League this summer and Iraola’s record and ready availability make him an attractive target.
The Spaniard – who joined the Cherries from Rayo Vallecano to replace Gary O’Neil in June 2023 – last signed a contract extension in the summer of 2024, having joined Bournemouth 12 months earlier on an initial two-year deal.
Bournemouth sources say they tried everything possible to keep Iraola and wanted him for the long term, but he decided his time had come to a close. (© Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd)