Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago

Andoni Iraola: Tim Sherwood 'wouldn't rule out Liverpool or Chelsea' after Bournemouth exit

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Andoni Iraola has been tipped for a huge move across the Premier League, and Liverpool or Chelsea could be the beneficiaries.

The 43-year-old has announced his decision to leave Bournemouth at the end of the season, bringing an end to his very impressive three seasons at the Vitality Stadium.

With the Cherries sitting 8th in the Premier League table, there is every chance that Iraola could secure European football before his departure, and all eyes are already on his next move ahead of the summer.

Liam Rosenior is still in the early stages of his career at Stamford Bridge, and with Arne Slot under huge pressure at Anfield, both clubs have been tipped as potential destinations for the talented manager.

Andoni Iraola tipped for Anfield or Stamford Bridge

Iraola was never going to stay in one place for very long, but it has become apparent that he's quickly outgrown the Cherries, with a huge move ahead of him this summer.

Speaking live on Sky Sports (18 April, 2:56pm), Tim Sherwood said: "He's a top manager who lost his whole backline last season. He lost [Antoine] Semenyo as well.

"If the hierarchy at different clubs wants to give someone the players to develop and win, I wouldn't rule out Liverpool or Chelsea for him this summer."

There were also talks of him returning to Athletic Club, having featured for the La Liga giants as a player, but many expect him to remain in England after impressing multiple Premier League giants.

How likely is the Bournemouth boss to go to Liverpool?

Many of those at St James' Park are hoping for the Spaniard to replace Eddie Howe, with the former Cherries' boss under pressure this season, but it remains to be seen if that will happen.

He has just as much chance of arriving on Merseyside, with a major bookmaker placing Iraola at 6/1 to replace Slot after the Reds were knocked out of the Champions League and are now fighting for domestic success.

There is every chance that Liverpool will miss out on Champions League football, with Chelsea and Brentford pushing for a top-five finish, but the extra spot this season certainly aids their chances.

More and more supporters are shouting for a change in the dugout at Anfield, and Iraola could be the one to replace him if another big club doesn't beat them to his signature this summer.

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