There was big news this week with Andoni Iraola to leave Bournemouth this summer, and there’s a transfer-related reason Everton might be hoping he doesn’t stay in the Premier League.
Iraola will depart the Vitality Stadium when his contract is up at the end of the current campaign.
Despite their best efforts to extend his deal, Iraola is ready for a new chapter
Which of these players do you want to see Everton SIGN in 2026?
The following names have been suggested by fans on TalkingPoints…
Ivan Toney of Al Ahli celebrates after scoring the 2nd goal during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ahli and Al Nassr
Credit: Getty Images/Yasser Bakhsh
And with his stock high having done a terrific job with the Cherries, he will likely have several clubs trying to sell him their project.
There’s been some speculation about Iraola perhaps going to Athletic Club in Spain, for whom he made over 400 appearances for as a player.
But inevitably, there has already been suggestions that top Premier League clubs may try and approach Iraola.
Everton may well hope he doesn’t stick around, with the club having been linked with Marcos Senesi.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
Andoni Iraola could have bearing on Everton target Marcos Senesi
Andoni Iraola managing Bournemouth.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
In recent weeks, Everton have been linked with Marcos Senesi.
The Argentine defender, like Iraola, is out of contract in the summer, and there has already been a lot of reports about interested clubs.
Earlier this week though it was reported that Senesi would actually be open to staying in the Premier League.
Which is why Everton might be hoping to see Iraola leave the Premier League.
It is not out of the question that Iraola could try to sign Senesi, and if he’s the manager of a top Premier League club, then that would surely appeal to the player, making Everton’s life much more difficult.
And there’s no reason why he wouldn’t want to sign Senesi, especially on a free.
Senesi has made 88 appearances under Iraola at Bournemouth to date, and the Spaniard has regularly praised the centre-back for the qualities he brings.
He said of him in December (via Bournemouth Echo): “On the ball, off the ball, he understands very well also the way we want to play and for us it’s very valuable. I don’t think it’s a big secret.
“This is something that when you feel confident, the one next to you looks a little bit better and the other one looks a little bit better and is good for the team.
“He has, I think on the ball, he can play short, he can play long. His understanding of the game, I would say, even without the ball, when to press, when to drop a little bit.
“And also, for our team, he’s quite an experienced player. He has played in other leagues, has played in Europe. I think these are qualities for this team, I think are very important.”
Leeds United v Bournemouth - Premier League
Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images
Senesi really would be a top signing for Everton.
He has so much Premier League experience, and is a good ball-player who can break lines, as well as defend well. He’s also previously played in Europe.
Hopefully, Iraola will not end up spoiling a potential Everton pursuit this summer.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox