(Credit: Imago)

Evan Shaw

Sat 18 April 2026 12:30, UK

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Andoni Iraola is surely heading towards a move to Crystal Palace, with the competition for his signature slowly fading ahead of his departure from AFC Bournemouth.

The Spanish boss has been linked with a whole host of clubs in both the Premier League and beyond of late, and he confirmed his imminent exit from the Vitality Stadium earlier this week.

Football Insider revealed on Friday that Eddie Howe’s position at Newcastle remains secure, while there are now major doubts surrounding Bayer Leverkusen’s pursuit of the Cherries’ chief.

The Bundesliga side had identified him as a clear target to lead the next stage of their project, but they are now having second thoughts, leaving Palace with breathing room to seal a deal.

The Eagles’ managerial search has been ongoing for several months now, and they finally appear to be within touching distance of naming the successor to Oliver Glasner.

Bayer Leverkusen bosses raise Andoni Iraola concern

Iraola’s work during his three years at Bournemouth has seen his stock rise massively, to the point where he has had no shortage of potential suitors across Europe in recent months.

Leverkusen have had him on their radar in recent weeks as a possible replacement for Kasper Hjulmand, with the German side currently on course to miss out on Champions League football for next season.

A move to one of the Bundesliga’s top clubs would likely have been an attractive proposition for Iraola, but he is now set to no longer get that chance, with club chiefs identifying issues with him as a candidate.

The Leverkusen hierarchy believe that Iraola’s style of play doesn’t fit with their offensive, possession-heavy approach, according to Bild, which will be music to the ears of everyone at Selhurst Park.

With another of Palace’s key rivals seemingly unwilling to take their pursuit of the 43-year-old to the next level, he has surely just taken a big step towards the home dugout at Selhurst next term.

The South Londoners’ current boss, Glasner, is seen as another leading contender to take the reins at Leverkusen.

Crystal Palace to strengthen Iraola position with European exploits

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider earlier this week that Palace’s hopes of appointing Iraola would receive a further boost if they could secure Europa League football for next term.

The Eagles progressed into the semi-finals of the UEFA Conference League despite losing in Fiorentina on Thursday night, and they are now within touching distance of the final.

Winning the competition would see them secure a Europa League berth for 2025-26, and Brown suggested that may hold the key to getting their move for Iraola over the line.

The former recruitment chief indicated that it would open more doors in terms of transfer capability for their next boss, while also showcasing the level of ambition at the club.