Top five clubs that could appoint Andoni Iraola as their next manager ft. Athletic Club & Man United
Iraola has confirmed he will leave the Cherries at the end of the season.
Andoni Iraola told the club’s management that he will leave at the end of his contract, hence Bournemouth will be searching for a new manager. Iraola is reportedly interested in joining one of the best teams on the continent. Which club will be keen to appoint him as their next manager?
Iraola has performed admirably for the team, but his goals are greater than those of the smallest side in the Premier League, with obvious constraints and low ceilings that will be difficult to surpass. He deserves a larger stage based on his performance over the last three seasons.
List of clubs Andoni Iraola can join in the summer
| Rank | Clubs |
| 5 | Liverpool |
| 4 | Chelsea |
| 3 | Athletic Club |
| 2 | Manchester United |
| 1 | Crystal Palace |
5. Liverpool
Andoni Iraola would undoubtedly be at the top of Liverpool’s list if they were looking for a new manager this summer. This is because of his Premier League experience, his ability to develop gifted young players—Reds left defender Milos Kerkez can vouch for that—and his high-energy style of play.
What happens to Arne Slot is a crucial requirement for that even to be a possibility. However, it would be prudent to maintain Andoni Iraola’s contract terms close at hand in case something unexpected changes.
4. Chelsea
At the beginning of 2026, Chelsea committed to the broader BlueCo concept by giving Liam Rosenior a six-year contract. In the end, results on the field must support that long-term belief. But they just don’t.
They have only won once, against Port Vale, who are at the bottom of EFL League One, and have suffered five losses since needing extra time to defeat Wrexham in the FA Cup. It is more and more doubtful that Chelsea will qualify for the Champions League.
Chelsea would definitely choose Andoni Iraola as their manager. However, a lot would depend on his desire to lead a volatile club that has not been able to achieve stable results.
3. Athletic Club
With Ernesto Valverde’s confirmed exit from Athletic Club this summer, Andoni Iraola will have a great option. He played more than 500 games for the squad as a right back during his playing career. He was born and raised in the proud Basque area of Spain.
Iraola referred to Valverde as his “biggest reference” in soccer last month. However, Edin Terzić, who led Borussia Dortmund to the 2024 Champions League final, is reportedly already pretty far along for Athletic Club.
2. Manchester United
As Manchester United approach an imaginary deadline for selecting Ruben Amorim’s long-term replacement, there is a high chance that a new manager will be on the bench for the upcoming campaign.
Michael Carrick, an ex-United great, has brilliantly taken over from the Portuguese coach, who departed in January. The 44-year-old has performed admirably thus far and appears poised to accomplish his main goal, which is to qualify for the Champions League 2026-27.
1. Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace appear to be a step back from AFC Bournemouth based on the Premier League standings. However, the Eagles are one of the biggest teams in England’s elite league, need a new manager and are better positioned for success, having already won the FA Cup in 2025.
Despite a poor Premier League season that appears destined to end with a spot in the bottom half of the standings, Oliver Glasner is going this summer and may end his career here by delivering the UEFA Conference League.
Which club could look for a new manager?
United are assessing their options for a new manager for the upcoming season.
Where will Andoni Iraola next manage?
Many Premier League clubs would be keen to appoint him.
Where do Bournemouth stand in the table?
They are 11th in the table.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.