Andoni Iraola coy on Bournemouth future amid Liverpool links
Andoni Iraola has declined to give a clear update on his future but confirmed he has held talks with AFC Bournemouth during the international break.
The 43-year-old’s current deal expires at the end of the season, although he previously signed a contract extension taking him through to 2025–26 following a strong first campaign in charge after replacing Gary O’Neil in June 2023.
Iraola has guided Bournemouth to record Premier League points totals in both of his seasons at the club and has attracted interest from several teams, including Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.
Andoni Iraola is understood to be admired by sections of the Liverpool FC hierarchy as pressure mounts on Arne Slot. Liverpool have lost three straight matches, including a 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.
The Reds suffered a 4-0 loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup, extending a poor run to just two wins in their last eight games. The results have increased scrutiny on Slot ahead of their upcoming fixture against Fulham.
Liverpool are fifth in the Premier League, holding a Champions League qualification spot after English clubs were awarded an extra place in Europe’s top competition.
They are just one point ahead of Chelsea in sixth. Brentford and Merseyside rivals Everton sit seventh and eighth respectively, both three points behind Liverpool.
Iraola has also been linked with a move to Athletic Club, while Bournemouth have tabled a new contract as they look to secure his long-term future.
“Yes, obviously we spoke. But I’m sorry I don’t have news for you today,” he said when asked about whether he’d held talks with Bournemouth’s hierarchy. “There is no changes on that side but we spoke, yes.”
Bournemouth are within sight of a top-10 finish this season despite losing key players such as Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez and Antoine Semenyo.
Iraola has integrated a new generation of talent at AFC Bournemouth, bringing through youngsters such as Eli Junior Kroupi and Rayan while also helping the club generate significant profit through player development and sales.