Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Sun 17 May 2026 13:43, UK

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Chelsea have secured the appointment of former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso, ruling them out of the race for Newcastle United-linked Andoni Iraola.

The Blues had reportedly been considering a move for the Bournemouth manager, who has announced that he will leave the Cherries in the coming weeks.

Newcastle have experienced a dismal season under Eddie Howe, and Iraola would appear to be a perfect option to take over the project at St James’ Park.

But faith appears to have been installed in the Englishman, despite the clamour from some fans of the Magpies.

Newcastle’s manager will be under immediate pressure next season, with the patience of decision-makers at St James’ Park running at an all-time low.

Newcastle United set to miss out on Andoni Iraola

Football Insider exclusively revealed on Sunday that Crystal Palace are doing everything they can to convince Iraola to replace Oliver Glasner this summer.

The Eagles have emerged as surprise favourites to appoint the Spaniard, in what would be a slightly bizarre career move.

Iraola’s Bournemouth are within just four points of Liverpool and could well secure Champions League football for next season, or Europa League football at least.

It has been a historic season for the Cherries, who are set to secure their highest-ever Premier League finish.

Palace will also be without a manager this summer when Glasner departs at the end of his contract, and could be in the Europa League next season if they can beat Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final this month.

But if anything, the move feels like a sideways one, while, despite likely having no European football next season, Newcastle would undoubtedly be a step up on a budgetary level.

Iraola was perhaps waiting for the role to open up amid the pressure on Howe, but their insistence on sticking with the Englishman has left him seeking other opportunities.

Newcastle are taking a massive risk

Considering the ambitious aims of the owners at Newcastle, the decision to stick with Howe has been a bizarre one.

The Magpies have been unfortunate with injuries this season and suffered from the tumultuous Alexander Isak situation, but it truly has been a woeful campaign.

Should Howe’s team lose to West Ham on Sunday, they could well finish the weekend in 16th, with no notable cup runs to soften the blow.

Newcastle decision-makers must know what they are doing, because they appear to be taking a significant risk by passing up the chance to appoint Iraola.