Highly-rated CHELSEA linked Andoni Iraola has confirmed he will leave AFC Bournemouth at the end of the 2025–26 Premier League season when his contract expires, bringing an end to a highly successful three-year tenure on the south coast.
Iraola, 43, took charge of Bournemouth in June 2023 and quickly gained a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most progressive young managers. Under his guidance the Cherries achieved their highest ever points total in the top flight and secured a club-record ninth place finish in 2024–25.
This season, despite significant player departures, Bournemouth remain competitive and are even chasing European qualification.
With his departure now confirmed, speculation over Iraola’s next destination has intensified — and one of the biggest names mentioned is Chelsea. The Blues have endured a mixed campaign, with their current head coach Liam Rosenior still relatively untested at this level after replacing Enzo Maresca earlier in the season. A growing faction of supporters and pundits feel a more established tactical voice is needed to stabilise Stamford Bridge long-term.
Could Chelsea really make a move to Iraola?
A move for Iraola would represent a bold, progressive choice. His teams are known for intelligent, possession-based football coupled with solid defensive organisation — exactly the balance many feel has been missing at CHELSEA this season.
He has also shown a strong ability to develop young talent and adapt game plans to different challenges, a crucial trait for a club rebuilding its identity.
Critics might argue that stepping up to a pressure-cooker environment like Chelsea is a leap too far at this stage of his career, but Iraola’s tactical acumen, Premier League experience and track record of overachieving with limited resources make him a compelling candidate should the Blues decide to move on from Rosenior this summer.
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