Crystal Palace are increasingly optimistic about securing Andoni Iraola as their next head coach, according to TEAMtalk. While Chelsea also remain interested, sources suggest the Eagles currently hold a significant advantage in the pursuit of the Bournemouth manager.
Iraola is currently evaluating his options after confirming he will depart Bournemouth at the end of the season, following a successful Premier League campaign where the Cherries could still qualify for Champions League football. His work transforming Bournemouth into a tactically aggressive and exciting team has attracted attention from several clubs.
Initially, a return to Spain with Athletic Bilbao appeared a strong possibility for Iraola, but the club ultimately appointed Edin Terzic as their new manager. This shift has opened the door for renewed interest from Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, who have internally discussed Iraola as a potential permanent replacement for Michael Carrick. Chelsea are also admirers, seeking a successor to Liam Rosenior.
However, Palace are reportedly confident they can persuade Iraola to join them, citing the club’s structure, recruitment strategy, and developing young squad as key attractions. The opportunity to build a long-term project with relative autonomy is also seen as a differentiating factor compared to Chelsea. Palace’s hierarchy have been particularly impressed by Iraola’s ability to improve players individually and implement a high-intensity style of play.
Securing Iraola would be a major coup for Crystal Palace, and the club are actively pushing to finalize a deal. Though rival interest persists, belief is growing at Selhurst Park that they have a genuine chance of landing one of the Premier League’s most highly-rated coaches. Newcastle United had also been linked, but Eddie Howe’s position appears secure, further strengthening Palace’s position.
