Bournemouth defender Álex Jiménez has admitted he believes it’s possible Andoni Iraola could leave the club this summer.
Mundo Deportivo have an interview with the Spaniard today. They asked him about Iraola’s future and a potential move to a ‘bigger club’ than Bournemouth.
Iraola’s current deal expires this summer. He has yet to sign a new deal to keep him at the Vitality Stadium beyond that point.
The 43‑year‑old is likely to attract interest after transforming Bournemouth over the past two years, turning them from a Premier League survival side into a high‑intensity, ‘giant‑killing’ team chasing European qualification.
He guided the Cherries to their highest-ever Premier League points total in his first season. They’re currently 11th but firmly in the hunt for Europe, despite losing star man Antoine Semenyo in January.
Jiménez is a big fan of his current boss and admits there’s every chance he could depart for someone bigger this summer.
“He’s a really great guy, I’m very fond of him, and I’m delighted to work with him,” he said.
“I don’t know what he thinks about it (leaving in the summer), but it’s possible. His contract ends this season, and ultimately, it’s his decision.”
Common Real Madrid dream for Bournemouth player
Jiménez himself has been a big success since joining on loan from AC Milan in the summer transfer window. The Cherries have an option to make it permanent. Italian reports say the club expect to act sooner rather than later. Sport Witness covered that last week.
The 20-year-old is very much getting back on track after struggling at AC Milan. He joined them from Real Madrid’s youth but struggled to establish himself in their side. He’s now doing that at Bournemouth instead.
But like any former Real Madrid youth player, he admits the long-term aim remains to join them again.
“Right now, I’m focused on Bournemouth this season,” he added.
“But going back would be a dream come true because I grew up there and it’s the place where I became who I am today.”