Andoni Iraola to leave Bournemouth at the end of the season as Cherries immediately identify two possible replacements

Andoni Iraola will step down as Bournemouth manager at the end of the season, talkSPORT understands.

Former Borussia Dortmund boss Marco Rose is a leading contender to replace him.

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Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna is another potential option and Bournemouth are expected to agree a deal for Iraola’s replacement quickly.

Rose was recently linked with the Tottenham job having not worked since being sacked as RB Leipzig manager by Red Bull chief Jurgen Klopp in March 2025.

McKenna is considered a more costly appointment due to his wages and buyout clause.

Iraola was appointed in the summer of 2023, replacing Gary O’Neil at the Vitality Stadium.

After finishing 12th in his first season at the helm, Bournemouth matched their highest ever finish of ninth in the Premier League last term.

Iraola has been linked with the Manchester United job which is currently set to become vacant this summer.

Meanwhile, the former Rayo Vallecano boss turned down Tottenham at the end of last season.

His decision to leave Bournemouth was communicated to the club during the international break.

It followed pre-planned talks with the club regarding his future on the south coast.

Iraola’s contract had been due to expire this summer following an extension in May 2024.

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Bournemouth had done everything in their power to keep hold of their manager across 15 months of negotiations.

Despite Iraola’s imminent exit, a huge amount of respect remains between himself and the club.

The Cherries could still qualify for Europe for the first time in their history this season.

With six matches remaining they are two points adrift of the top seven in 11th.

Iraola’s final match in charge will be away to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, May 24.

Where could Iraola go next?

talkSPORT’s Alex Crook has provided an update on where Iraola could head after leaving Bournemouth in the summer.

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United and Liverpool could both be looking for new managers, along with Athletic Bilbao, where he spent 15 years as a player.

It is understood Bayer Leverkusen are also showing an interest in Iraola.

Speaking to Hawksbee & Jacobs, Crook explained: “Despite the fact he turned down the Tottenham job last summer and has been linked with Manchester United, I’ve been told we should not be surprised if he goes back to Spain with Athletic Club.

“He supported them as a boy. He made a lot of appearances for them.

“He may still be a target for Manchester United if they decide to appoint within the Premier League, but I’m not sure he’s particularly high on their wanted list.

“There’s obvious connections with Liverpool if Arne Slot goes.  Richard Hughes was the sporting director who brought Iraola to Bournemouth.

“You can’t argue with the job he’s done. There’s every chance they qualify for Europe for the first time in their history.

“How do they replace him? My understanding is we’ll get more information on that pretty quickly – in the coming hours and days.”