Expert: Andoni Iraola could snub Newcastle as 'behind-the-scenes' talks held with another club
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(Credit: Imago) Tue 21 April 2026 18:00, UK Andoni Iraola could turn down the opportunity to replace Eddie howe at Newcastle United in favour of a return to Spain with Athletic Bilbao.The 43-year-old recently confirmed that he will be leaving Bournemouth when his current contract expires at the end of the season.His exploits for the Cherries have attracted high-profile interest from a number of top clubs including Newcastle, Man United and Tottenham in recent months.However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that talks had already taken place with Bilbao before he announced his Bournemouth departure.The Basque outfit confirmed Ernesto Valverde will leave his position at the end of the season shortly before Iraola’s decision, and Newcastle may have to look elsewhere. 👔 Newcastle Manager News 👔 Get the inside track on the St James’ Park dugout with real-time updates on shortlisted candidates, live betting market shifts, and key PIF boardroom decisions. VISIT THE MANAGER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Could Andoni Iraola move to Athletic Bilbao?Football Insider exclusively revealed on 18 April that Bilbao are planning to move for Iraola and hope they will be able to tempt him to return to Spain.He has managed in La Liga before with Rayo Vallecano, and made over 500 senior appearances for Athletic Club as a player after coming through their academy.Andoni IraolaBournemouth RecordGames122Wins46Draws35Losses41Goals For199Goals Against191Andoni Iraola’s record as Bournemouth manager.
The opportunity to return to his boyhood club may prove difficult to turn down despite the interest from elsewhere, with talks potentially already underway.“It came as a surprise to me that Iraola will be leaving Bournemouth,” Brown told Football Insider.“He’s built up a very good reputation there and he’s doing very well with that side even though they’ve lost a number of key players in the last year or so.“Announcing his departure while the season is still going suggests he’s got something lined up.“The Athletic Bilbao job could be that one, they could have held talks behind the scenes about whether he would be interested in the job.“The timing was convenient that Bournemouth would announce he’s leaving just as that job becomes available, because he obviously has strong connections there.“So if Newcastle are interested for example, it might already be out of their hands, because the move back to Spain would make a lot of sense for me.”Why are Newcastle looking at hiring Iraola?Newcastle’s interest in Iraola comes amid ongoing suggestions that Eddie Howe could be relieved from his position at the end of the season.Brown warned Football Insider on 21 April that Howe is increasingly likely to be sacked by Newcastle after what has been a dismal season so far.Credit: ImagoNewcastle lost 2-1 to Bournemouth at St James’ Park last time out and have now lost their last four games in all competition, raising concerns about their performances.They have dropped to 14th place in the Premier League table, just three points above relegation battlers Leeds, despite their lofty pre-season ambitions.Newcastle’s CEO, David Hopkinson, recently refused to give any assurances about the boss’ future as he did not rule out the possibility of a departure. Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Newcastle Insider Access Get the full story from St James’ Park and Darsley Park with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Tyneside.