Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Wed 15 April 2026 10:30, UK

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Jens Berthel Askou has been named among the leading contenders to replace the outgoing Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth, despite his links to Celtic.

The Motherwell manager is one of the favourites to take over from interim boss Martin O’Neill at Parkhead this summer, after an impressive season.

With five games left to play, Askou has already led the Steelmen to their best points tally in the Scottish Premiership since the 2013-14 season.

Had Motherwell not suffered a recent capitulation – losing four of their previous five – they may well have been in contention for the title.

If decision-makers at Parkhead want the Dane to be Celtic’s next manager, however, they will face competition from the likes of Bournemouth.

Jens Berthel Askou to Bournemouth betting odds

Football Insider exclusively revealed last month that Askou is the front-runner for the Celtic job this summer, with decision-makers impressed by his exploits at Motherwell.

The Dane has completely transformed a side that, last season, finished eighth in the Scottish Premiership with just 39 points and a goal difference of -19.

The 43-year-old’s side have already smashed that points tally out of the park in this campaign, while currently holding a goal difference of 23.

The transformation of Tawanda Maswanhise has also been a key element of Askou’s work at Fir Park.

The forward left Leicester City for the Scottish side in 2024 and had already shown potential, scoring six goals across all competitions in his first season.

But under the guidance of Askou, the 23-year-old has exploded, netting 22 in all competitions and leading the Scottish Premiership in goals.

It is unsurprising that, after such a promising season, the manager is also attracting interest from the likes of Bournemouth.

The Cherries confirmed on Tuesday that Iraola would be leaving at the end of his contract this summer, with the Motherwell manager now named among the favourites to replace him.

One major bookmaker has handed Askou 6/1 odds of replacing the Spaniard, while Marco Rose at 3/1 and Kieran McKenna at 4/1 lead the race.

What has Askou said about his future?

While there has been much talk about Askou’s potential next destination, there has been little consideration of the fact that he is under contract at Motherwell.

The Dane is keen to respect his current club, and could well decide to stay at Fir Park this summer.

“We have good conversations about everything,” Askou told the Scottish Sun this month, when asked about his relationship with the Motherwell board.

“Look, we plan for the future. We have to. We also plan for Tawanda Maswanhise’s future. Last year we also planned for Lennon Miller’s future. That’s what we do.

“We plan for the under-15s to get the opportunity to break through to the first team. So of course I am relaxed about everything else. Everything we do is with a long perspective. 

“We’re also planning stuff that is not official yet. Important things concerning infrastructure. There are a lot of things going on inside the building that people don’t see.”

Whether Askou’s tune will change with an offer from the likes of Celtic this summer remains to be seen.