Bournemouth are on the hunt for a new manager after it was announced on Tuesday that Andoni Iraola will depart the Vitality Stadium when his contract expires in June
Andoni Iraola will leave Bournemouth this summer(Image: Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Bournemouth are closing in on the appointment of Marco Rose as their next manager. The Cherries are searching for a new head coach after it was confirmed on Tuesday that Andoni Iraola will be leaving upon the expiry of his contract in June.
Owner Bill Foley was desperate to keep Iraola, 43, but he’s turned down the chance to extend his three-year stay. Bournemouth have acted fast, targeting Rose as the Spaniard’s successor.
The Telegraph report that 49-year-old, who most recently managed German side RB Leipzig, is in advanced talks to assume the role from the beginning of next season. It’s added that Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna is also on the Cherries’ shortlist, but he has a £6million buy-out clause and negotiations can’t take place until the end of this campaign.
Rose’s availability and affordability gives him the edge, and talks between both parties are progressing quickly. Bournemouth are keen to make a swift appointment in order to best prepare for the 2026-27 season, during which they could be playing European football for the first time in their history.
WORLD CUP LEGENDS: The stars who lit up football’s greatest tournament – Buy the Special Edition today
READ MORE: Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna responds to Bournemouth links amid Andoni Iraola exitREAD MORE: Premier League club immediately target Andoni Iraola as Bournemouth identify replacement
Rose was sacked by Leipzig last March following two-and-a-half years with the Bundesliga side, who he joined shortly after leaving Borussia Dortmund in 2022. He was previously in the Red Bull family with Austrian giants Salzburg before two years with Borussia Monchengladbach.
As for Iraola, he’s reportedly keen to stay in England. Having agreed to part ways with Oliver Glasner at the end of this season, Crystal Palace are said to be lining up a swoop for the former Rayo Vallecano boss.
Iraola could also secure an emotional return to Athletic Bilbao, where he came through the academy as a player and represented more than 500 times at senior level, including as captain. Bilbao’s current boss, Ernesto Valverde, will also depart this summer.
Would Marco Rose be a good appointment for Bournemouth? Have your say in the comments section.
Marco Rose is in advanced talks with Bournemouth(Image: Ralf Ibing – firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
Iraola feels that it’s the ‘right moment’ to leave Bournemouth, saying: “It has been an honour to manage AFC Bournemouth and I am proud of what we have achieved together. I’m thankful to the players and staff that I’ve worked with, as well as Bill, who have all made my time here so special.
“As for the fans, you have continued to show your fantastic support to myself and the team, and for that I will always be grateful. I feel this is the right moment for me to step away, but I will always carry fantastic memories of this club.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us – and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re cu rious, you can read our Privacy Notice.