Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago
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Athletic Bilbao plan Andoni Iraola move amid Newcastle speculation

Wayne Veysey
Wayne Veysey

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

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Athletic Bilbao are planning a move for departing AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, sources have told Football Insider.

The 43-year-old is set to depart the Premier League club at the end of the season and is a strong contender to replace Ernesto Valverde, who is also set to step down.

While Bilbao face strong competition from better-resourced clubs, including in the English top flight, there is a hope among the hierarchy that they can lure him back to La Liga due to his strong ties with the Basque region.

The 43-year-old has managed in La Liga before, overseeing a three-year spell at Rayo Vallecano.

However, with the likes of Newcastle United also being linked to Iraola, it could be a challenge for Bilbao to make a summer appointment.

Would Athletic Bilbao be an attractive proposition for Andoni Iraola?

Currently, Bilbao are one of the top clubs in Spain, despite sitting 12th in the La Liga table.

The club have been regulars in Europe for years, and even competed in the Champions League this season before being booted out in the league phase.

Andoni Iraola's managerial record at Bournemouth
Games managed 121
Wins 44
Draws37
Losses 40
Win percentage 36.4%
Iraola has had an excellent career at Bournemouth

On top of this, they have also impressed domestically and won the Copa del Rey in 2024.

Their squad also has many top players, including Inaki Williams, Unai Simon and Nico Williams, who are all heavily experienced, international players.

Therefore, Iraola may believe that he can ensure that their current woes are simply an anomaly and take the club back to their previous heights next season.

Who else is linked to Iraola?

Another club linked with Iraola ahead of the summer is Crystal Palace.

The Eagles are also on the hunt for a new manager after it was revealed that Oliver Glasner would be leaving the club at the end of his contract.

While a move to Palace could be seen as a step sideways for the Spaniard, the club have a good chance of playing European football next season as they remain the favourite to win the Conference League.

This could be their third trophy in 12 months if they can secure it, which could add extra temptation for Iraola.

However, it remains to be seen where the Bournemouth manager will end up, with the 43-year-old not short on options ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Bournemouth
Athletic Bilbao
Andoni Iraola
www.footballinsider247.com