Iraola to leave Bournemouth, may stay in the Premier League | OneFootball

Andoni Iraola will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season, the club said in a statement on Tuesday. Signs point to him remaining in the Premier League, which would keep him beyond Athletic’s reach.

Bournemouth tried hard to extend his deal but he chose to move on after three seasons on the Dean Court touchline. He arrived from Rayo Vallecano three years ago and quickly established the Cherries in the top flight.

Chairman Bill Foley praised his intensity, innovation and clear philosophy, saying the club owe him gratitude for his leadership on and off the pitch. Iraola called it an honour, thanked players, staff, Foley and supporters, and said it felt the right moment to step aside while holding fond memories.

Several Premier League projects are in the frame, with Crystal Palace among those interested. Tottenham also courted him, prepared to pay his 13 million clause, but he declined, and the London club turned to Thomas Frank after dismissing Postecoglou, then to Igor Tudor, before appointing Roberto de Zerbi.

He finished 12th with 48 points in his first season, then ninth with 56, a club-best in the top flight. This term Bournemouth are 11th on 45, one point off Europe with six matches left.

Iraola had been high on Jon Uriarte’s shortlist for Athletic, so focus there will shift elsewhere, for example towards Germany. He is the sixth-highest appearance maker in the club’s history with 510 games across 12 seasons.

Source: El Correo