The clock is ticking as Iraola set for Milan or Palace verdict by Saturday | OneFootball

Andoni Iraola is set to make his managerial decision between Milan and Crystal Palace by Friday or Saturday, according to SportMediaset journalist Claudio Raimondi, as the race for the former Bournemouth coach enters its decisive phase.

Milan have been leading the pursuit for some time, with Gerry Cardinale and Zlatan Ibrahimovic having already held two face-to-face meetings with the Basque coach in London.

A two or three-year contract has been prepared, and the club’s ambitions are significantly greater than those of the English side.

However, Crystal Palace now enter the picture in earnest, with Oliver Glasner’s final match in charge coming tonight in the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: Oliver Glasner, Manager of Crystal Palace, looks on prior to the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Crystal Palace FC and ACF Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on April 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Iraola to hear Palace offer before deciding as Milan sweat on family factor

According to the report, via MilanNews.it, Iraola will give Palace the opportunity to formally present their proposal before comparing it directly with Milan’s offer and making his final decision.

The English club’s appeal is rooted in geography, Iraola’s family are settled in England after three years at Bournemouth, a factor that complicates Milan’s pitch despite the Rossoneri’s superior sporting profile and European ambitions.

Milan are acutely aware that time is not on their side.

The longer the process runs, the greater the risk that Palace’s domestic advantage proves decisive.