Premier League boss tells club he will LEAVE at the end of the season

Callum Vurley
Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:11:04 +0000

Andoni Iraola has confirmed his departure from Bournemouth when the current campaign concludes, informing the club's hierarchy of his decision to move on.

The Spanish head coach, whose contract expires in three months, declined several proposals to prolong his tenure at the Vitality Stadium despite reported interest from former employers Athletic Club and other top-flight English sides.

Iraola broke the news to his squad this Tuesday afternoon, with half a dozen fixtures still remaining in the Premier League season.

His final match at home will see Manchester City visit on 17 May, before the campaign wraps up away at Nottingham Forest.

The Cherries believe they exhausted every avenue in attempting to convince their manager to remain, though disappointment at his choice has not diminished the goodwill between both parties.

Negotiations initially commenced more than fifteen months ago, yet Iraola opted to delay substantive discussions until later in the season.

Bournemouth currently occupy eleventh position in the table, sitting just two points behind seventh place.

Should they close that gap, the club could secure Conference League football and achieve European qualification for the first time in their history, providing a fitting send-off for the departing coach.

The search for his successor has already been underway behind the scenes.

Iraola has enjoyed considerable success since arriving at the south coast club in June 2023 as Gary O'Neil's replacement.

The 42-year-old introduced an attacking, progressive and dynamic approach that quickly won over supporters.

Last term saw Bournemouth finish ninth with 56 points, establishing a new club record for a Premier League campaign and surpassing their previous best for the second consecutive year.

This season has presented additional challenges, with the manager navigating the departures of Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, Illia Zabarnyi, Dango Ouattara and Antoine Semenyo in deals totalling £253m.

Three preferred candidates are understood to feature on Bournemouth's shortlist to succeed him.