Key Takeaways:
- Bournemouth have announced that Andoni Iraola will leave the club when his contract ends after the 2025/26 season
- Iraola guided the Cherries to a record points tally of 56 and a joint-highest finish of ninth in the 2024/25 season
- Potential replacements are being considered, with Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna reportedly among the top candidates
Official Confirmation of Iraola’s Departure
AFC Bournemouth have officially stated that manager Andoni Iraola will part ways with the club following the culmination of the 2025/26 Premier League season. The club, currently placed 11th in the league, highlighted Iraola’s achievements in their announcement, emphasising his influence and contributions over his three years on the south coast.
“AFC Bournemouth can confirm that Head Coach, Andoni Iraola, will leave the club at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, bringing an end to his successful three-year tenure on the south coast,” the club said in a statement.
Club statement: Andoni Iraola.
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) April 14, 2026
Milestones Achieved Under Iraola
Since his appointment in June 2023, Iraola has played a key role in establishing Bournemouth as a consistent presence in the Premier League. The 43-year-old steered the Cherries to their best-ever Premier League points total, recording 56 in the 2024/25 season. This achievement secured a joint-highest league position of ninth for the club.
Beyond results, Iraola’s impact has been felt in Bournemouth’s distinctive, forward-thinking style of play and commitment to nurturing both up-and-coming youngsters and established professionals. He earned recognition for developing standout talents who later secured lucrative moves, such as Dean Huijsen, Ilya Zabarnyi, Milos Kerkez, and Antoine Semenyo.
Managerial Succession Planning Underway
Preparations are already being made for Iraola’s exit at the end of the 2025/26 season. According to reports from The Athletic, Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna features prominently on the list of potential successors, and the club’s search for a new manager is in progress.
Bournemouth’s Recent Performances and Upcoming Fixtures
Iraola’s tenure has seen the Cherries regularly secure mid-table finishes and claim impressive results against leading Premier League sides. Notably, Bournemouth recently recorded a 2-1 victory over league leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The team’s next match is scheduled against Newcastle.
Iraola Reflects on His Time at Bournemouth
“It has been an honour to manage AFC Bournemouth and I am proud of what we have achieved together. I’m thankful to the players and staff that I’ve worked with, as well as Bill (Foley, club Chairman), who have all made my time here so special,” Iraola said.
“As for the fans, you have continued to show your fantastic support to myself and the team, and for that I will always be grateful.
“I feel this is the right moment for me to step away, but I will always carry fantastic memories of this club.”
Iraola’s Connections to Athletic Club and Managerial Landscape
Iraola’s name has also been associated with his former club, Athletic Club of Bilbao, where he accumulated more than 400 LaLiga appearances as a player. It has also been confirmed that Ernesto Valverde, current head coach of Athletic Club, will leave his post at the end of the season.
