Bournemouth confirm manager Andoni Iraola will leave at end of season
AFC Bournemouth have confirmed that manager Andoni Iraola will depart the club at the end of the 2025-2026 season. The announcement was made via an official club statement on Tuesday afternoon, just three days after the Cherries secured a notable 2-1 away victory over Arsenal in the Premier League.
Iraola, 43, stated his belief that it was the right time to move on. "It has been an honour to manage AFC Bournemouth and I am proud of what we have achieved together," the Spaniard said in the club's release. "I think it is the right time for me to move away, but I will always carry fantastic memories of this club." The Basque coach 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 earned a strong reputation in England for implementing an intense, high-pressing, and attacking style of football. He was also praised for his ability to develop young talent, which reportedly attracted attention from several other clubs. His final season is set to conclude with Bournemouth currently sitting in 11th place in the Premier League table.
The club's statement did not specify a reason for Iraola's departure or name a successor. This news marks another significant change for the Cherries, who last summer saw key players Dean Huijsen, Illia Zabarnyi, and Milos Kerkez depart for Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Liverpool respectively. The loss of their managerial architect now presents the Bournemouth board with a major decision as they plan for next season.
Finding a replacement who can maintain the positive trajectory established under Iraola will be a priority. The new manager will inherit a squad that has demonstrated its capability to compete against the league's top sides, as evidenced by the recent win at the Emirates Stadium. The coming weeks are likely to see intense speculation regarding potential candidates for the Vitality Stadium hot seat.
