Key Takeaways:
- Andoni Iraola, who announced his departure from AFC Bournemouth last month, is nearing an agreement to take charge at Crystal Palace
- Manchester United and Chelsea have both identified Iraola as a primary managerial target, but are set to lose out on his signature
- Despite being linked with Athletic Club following Ernesto Valverde’s exit announcement, Iraola will not be heading to Bilbao as Edin Terzic has been named manager
Iraola Set for Crystal Palace Role
Andoni Iraola, currently one of the most sought-after managers in European football after announcing his intention to leave AFC Bournemouth last month, is reportedly on the verge of finalising a move to Crystal Palace. According to El Chiringuito, Palace have presented an offer that has significantly appealed to the Basque tactician, providing the promise of greater stability compared to other suitors.
🚨🇪🇸 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 | Andoni Iraola is CLOSE to joining Crystal Palace, reports @marcosbenito9. 🔵🔴 pic.twitter.com/dUs4BIIdim
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) May 7, 2026
Missed Opportunities for Manchester United and Chelsea
Both Manchester United and Chelsea have demonstrated keen interest in bringing Iraola on board. Chelsea, having faced turbulent times with three managerial changes this season and now sitting ninth in the table, risk missing out on Champions League qualification and European competition entirely. In the wake of Enzo Maresca’s and Liam Rosenior’s departures, Calum McFarlane has been appointed interim manager until the campaign’s conclusion as the club continues its search for a permanent leader.
Manchester United, on the other hand, have Michael Carrick currently in place as interim boss. Carrick has steered United to Champions League qualification, but the club remains active in the managerial market for the next season, with Iraola sitting high on their shortlist.
Athletic Club Look Elsewhere
Iraola was originally linked to Athletic Bilbao once Ernesto Valverde’s departure was made public. However, the Basque club moved swiftly to secure Edin Terzic, formerly of Borussia Dortmund, as their new head coach, closing that chapter for Iraola.
Summary
While both Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge considered Iraola a leading option as they look to secure managerial stability, the current Bournemouth manager appears set to embark on a new challenge with Crystal Palace, preferring the project and stability on offer in south London over more turbulent conditions elsewhere.
