There will be a new manager at the Vitality this August.
Ardoni Iraola announced Tuesday that he will depart Bournemouth at season’s end.
“Andoni has been instrumental in shaping the direction of this football club over the past three seasons,” club chairman Bill Foley said. “He brought intensity, innovation, and a clear philosophy that elevated AFC Bournemouth both on and off the pitch. We are incredibly thankful for his leadership and will always have great memories of our time working together, as well as the things we accomplished.”
A native of Usurbil, Spain, Iraola joined the Cherries in the summer of 2023. He led the club to a 12th-place finish in 2024 and a ninth-place finish last season. The Cherries currently sit 11th in the table on 45 points, two points back of Brentford for the final European place.
Prior to heading to England, Iraola spent three seasons as gaffer of Rayo Vallecano and also had stints at CD Mirandes and Cypriot side AEK Larnaca.
As a player, Iraola was was a right-back and spent 12 of his 17 pro seasons at Athletic Club. He finished his career with two seasons at New York City FC, retiring in 2016. Internationally, Iraola was capped seven times by Spain.
Heading into free agency, Iraola is expected to be a popular name to fill vacancies in England and abroad.
The Cherries return to action on Saturday with a visit to Newcastle, a team believed to be interested in Iraola should they make a change at manager.