AC Milan are pushing to get the green light from Andoni Iraola, but the coach is taking time to assess his future.
Multiple reports have claimed that Iraola – who led Bournemouth to their first ever European qualification this season – is the first name on the list of possible managers drawn up by Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Gerry Cardinale.
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They met with the Basque-born coach in London a few days ago and explained the project to him, identifying him as the ‘Fabregas-style’ coach the Milan owner says he wants at his club.
Iraola takes his time
MilanNews reports that contacts between the parties have been ongoing since the initial meeting. For Milan -and for Iraola, too – there’s not much time to waste. The Rossoneri must find Allegri’s replacement as well as the other management figures before they can truly build for 2026-27.
Therefore, the Rossoneri are pushing hard to persuade the former Athletic Bilbao manager to accept the advances of a club hoping to restore itself to the glories it has long since languished.
What’s holding Iraola back? Ever since he announced that it would be his last season as Bournemouth coach, he made it clear he wanted to continue his experience in the Premier League. Crystal Palace have come forward, expressing interest some time ago.
There’s also a family reason, given they would prefer to stay in London, where they’re very happy. Milan will have to be attentive and receptive, especially because Palace end their season today with the Conference League final, saying goodbye to Oliver Glasner.
Gianluca Di Marzio also reports that Iraola hasn’t given the ok to Milan yet. In addition to Palace, Bayer Leverkusen are a possible landing spot, and there is even a chance that Liverpool could turn to him if they decide to sack Arne Slot.
Finally, Matteo Moretto (via MilanVibes) also reports the same news that Ibrahimovic met with Andoni Iraola in London in the past few hours, maintaining talks with his entourage. However, the coach is waiting because the Premier League remains a strong attraction, amid a tempting offer from Palace.
He adds that Iraola’s family seems to favour staying in London for the time being. However, the ongoing persuasion efforts by Ibrahimovic and Cardinale may lead to changes in the situation in the coming hours.