Andoni Iraola to leave Bournemouth at end of season
AFC Bournemouth have confirmed that manager Andoni Iraola will depart the club at the conclusion of the 2025-26 Premier League season. The announcement was made via an official club statement on Tuesday, just three days after the Cherries' impressive 2-1 away victory over Arsenal.
Iraola, 43, stated that he believes the time is right for a new challenge. "It has been an honour to manage AFC Bournemouth and I am proud of what we have achieved together," the Spanish coach said. "I think it is the right time for me to move on, but I will always carry fantastic memories of this club." He arrived on the south coast in the summer of 2023 after a successful three-year spell with La Liga side Rayo Vallecano.
During his tenure, Iraola built a strong reputation in English football for implementing an intense, high-pressing, and attacking style of play. He was widely praised for his ability to develop young talent and consistently produce competitive teams on a relatively modest budget. His work is considered a key factor in Bournemouth's stable mid-table Premier League status, with the club currently sitting in 11th place.
The departure marks the end of a significant era for Bournemouth and continues a period of major change at the Vitality Stadium. Last summer saw the club sell key defenders Dean Huijsen, Illia Zabarnyi, and Milos Kerkez to Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Liverpool respectively. The search for a new manager now becomes the club's most pressing priority ahead of the next campaign.
For Iraola, the exit opens the door to a potential return to management elsewhere in Europe. His stock remains high following his work in both Spain and England, and he is likely to be linked with several vacancies in the coming months. The club's statement expressed gratitude for his service, noting the positive impact he had during his three seasons in charge.
The timing of the announcement, while surprising to supporters, allows Bournemouth a clear runway to identify and secure a successor before pre-season begins. The club's hierarchy will be tasked with finding a manager capable of building upon the attractive footballing identity established under Iraola while navigating the competitive and financial landscape of the Premier League.
