Sources close to Andoni Iraola: Why Bournemouth stay ‘should not be ruled out’ after exit talk
Bournemouth are reportedly growing in their confidence of persuading Andoni Iraola to stay at the Vitality Stadium this summer.
The Spaniard had been under pressure earlier in the season after his side went 11 Premier League games without a win, but a recent turnaround now has the Cherries eighth in the table.
Iraola‘s deal runs out this summer, and he has been linked with moves to several clubs, including Newcastle United and Tottenham.
TalkSPORT reports that sources close to the Spaniard have said that him stalling on a new deal should not be taken as a sign that he is definitely leaving, however.
Bournemouth invested heavily in the squad in January, and are keen to convince Iraola that his chapter on the south coast is not yet over.
Andoni Iraola has been a transformative appointment
It is easy to see why Iraola is so sought after when you look at the job he has done at Bournemouth.
The 43-year-old was appointed in 2023 following a superb tenure with Rayo Vallecano, who he led from the Spanish second tier to mid-table in La Liga.
Iraola’s early months at Bournemouth were difficult. Incredibly, he did not win a Premier League game until the 10th occasion, and would only win one of his opening 12.
| Andoni Iraola | Bournemouth |
| Wins | 44 |
| Draws | 31 |
| Losses | 41 |
| Scored | 192 |
| Conceded | 186 |
But victory over Newcastle seemed to change everything, and the Cherries would win six of their next seven, eventually finishing 12th.
The next season brought a ninth-placed finish and a record Premier League points tally at the Vitality Stadium. This season is unlikely to beat that record, but it could see an even higher league finish achieved.
And it is incredibly important to mention that Iraola could do that after dealing with the decimation of his squad in the transfer window.
Key defenders Ilya Zabarnyi, Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez all left, and Dango Ouattara joined Brentford. Even in January, star man Antoine Semenyo joined Man City, yet Bournemouth continue to thrive.
What Iraola has said about Bournemouth future
The list of clubs interested in appointing Iraola may not just be limited to the Premier League.
Real Madrid are set to look for a new figurehead this summer, and Juventus could be on the market as well.
Speaking last month, Iraola said: “I’m very happy at Bournemouth, I’ve always said that. For coaches, the contract isn’t that important.
“I believe trust should be renewed every year. If you’re happy with me and I’m happy with you, why not stay another year?
“I wouldn’t want to stay anywhere just because I have a signed contract. Once we achieve our goal, we’ll meet to discuss how to approach next season and whether we continue or not. That’s what I’m thinking about, but staying here is a good option.”