Andoni Iraola will leave AFC Bournemouth at the end of the season after confirming he will not sign a new long-term deal. The Spaniard is out of contract in three months and has turned down multiple offers to extend his stay, amid interest from Athletic Club and other Premier League sides.
Iraola has six games remaining at Bournemouth and will depart after a three-year spell on the south coast. His final home match will be against Manchester City on May 17, before the season ends at Nottingham Forest.
Bournemouth, currently 11th, still have a chance of securing a first-ever European qualification, sitting two points outside seventh place, which would be enough for a Conference League spot.
Andoni Iraola was appointed in June 2023 and guided the club to a record 56-point finish and ninth place in the Premier League last season, improving their top-flight record in consecutive years.
This season, Bournemouth have also seen key players including Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, Illia Zabarnyi, Dango Ouattara and Antoine Semenyo depart for a combined £253m.
The news of Iraola’s departure comes just days after Bournemouth’s memorable 2-1 win away at Premier League leaders Arsenal. “It has been an honour to manage Bournemouth and I am proud of what we have achieved together,” Iraola said on the club’s website.
“I’m thankful to the players and staff that I’ve worked with, as well as (chairman) Bill (Foley), who have all made my time here so special.
“As for the fans, you have continued to show your fantastic support to myself and the team, and for that I will always be grateful. I feel this is the right moment for me to step away, but I will always carry fantastic memories of this club.”
Iraola is understood to be admired by sections of the Liverpool hierarchy as pressure mounts on Arne Slot. Defeat to PSG on Tuesday means Liverpool’s only remaining target this season is securing a top-five Premier League finish, with their Champions League hopes now hanging in the balance.