AFC Bournemouth announce Andoni Iraola to depart as manager after 2025/26 season

AFC Bournemouth have announced that Andoni Iraola will exit the club following the 2025/26 season, with the team presently positioned 11th in the Premier League.

"AFC Bournemouth can confirm that Head Coach Andoni Iraola will depart the club at the close of the 2025/26 season, concluding his accomplished three-year spell on the south coast," read the official club statement.

"Under his guidance since taking charge, the side has maintained its Premier League status, highlighted by a club-record tally of 56 points in the 2024/25 campaign, securing their equal-best ninth-place finish.

"Iraola has been instrumental in shaping the club’s Premier League presence, gaining acclaim for his forward-thinking approach to the game and dedication to nurturing both young prospects and seasoned professionals."

According to The Athletic, Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna ranks highly among candidates to succeed him, as the search for a new manager is already in progress.

Iraola arrived at Bournemouth in June 2023 and will complete a three-year stint upon his exit.

The 43-year-old has earned commendation for fostering key players who later transferred for substantial sums, such as Dean Huijsen, Ilya Zabarnyi, and Antoine Semenyo.

His engaging brand of football has ensured Bournemouth’s consistency in the Premier League, with frequent mid-table placements and victories over top-tier opponents.

The Cherries lately triumphed 2-1 over Premier League frontrunners Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium and face Newcastle next.

"Managing AFC Bournemouth has been a privilege, and I take great pride in our shared accomplishments. I extend my gratitude to the players and staff I collaborated with, along with Bill Foley, our Chairman, all of whom enriched my experience here," Iraola commented.

"To the supporters, your unwavering backing for me and the squad has been remarkable, and I will forever appreciate it.

"I believe now is the appropriate time for me to move on, though I will cherish the wonderful recollections of this club indefinitely."

Iraola maintains strong ties to his previous team, Athletic Club of Bilbao, where he featured in more than 400 LaLiga matches.

It is already verified that Athletic’s present coach, Ernesto Valverde, intends to leave his post at season’s end.