Bournemouth close to appointing Marco Rose as new manager
AFC Bournemouth are in advanced talks to appoint former Bundesliga coach Marco Rose as their new manager, according to reports from transfer journalist Ben Jacobs. The 48-year-old German is said to be close to agreeing terms with the Premier League club, who are seeking a replacement for Andoni Iraola. Iraola is expected to depart the Vitality Stadium this summer and has reportedly attracted interest from Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.
Marco Rose, who has managed Borussia Mönchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund, and most recently RB Leipzig, has been out of work since leaving the German club in March 2025. His last role saw him guide Leipzig to a third-place finish in the 2023/24 Bundesliga season and a run to the UEFA Champions League knockout stages. His departure from Leipzig was by mutual consent after a period of inconsistent domestic results.
For Bournemouth, the move represents a significant and ambitious appointment. The Cherries have operated under a data-driven model since the takeover of American businessman Bill Foley, and Rose’s high-energy, pressing style of football aligns with the club's recent philosophy under Iraola. Securing a coach with extensive top-level European experience, including multiple Champions League campaigns, marks a statement of intent for the south coast club as they look to build on a solid mid-table Premier League finish.
The potential switch also makes sense for Rose, providing a route back into a high-profile coaching role in one of Europe's most competitive leagues. After managing in Austria and Germany for the entirety of his senior coaching career, a move to the Premier League offers a new challenge and a platform to implement his philosophy. His proven track record of developing young talent and working within structured club environments is likely to have appealed to the Bournemouth hierarchy.
If finalized, Rose’s appointment would be the first major piece of business in what promises to be a pivotal summer for Bournemouth. The club will be looking to back their new manager in the transfer market to consolidate their Premier League status and potentially push for a top-half finish. His immediate task will be to assess the squad and implement his ideas during pre-season ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
