Expert: Crystal Palace make plan to appoint Andoni Iraola after Bournemouth bombshell
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(Credit: Imago) Tue 14 April 2026 15:06, UK Andoni Iraola is set to leave Bournemouth at the end of the season with Crystal Palace planning to step up their efforts to tempt him to South London.The 43-year-old has enjoyed a strong season at the Vitality Stadium, with his side currently sitting 11th in the Premier League following a 2-1 win against Arsenal last time out.However, he is keen to explore other opportunities upon the expiry of his contract this summer, and has a number of admirers across the Premier League and in Europe.Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Crystal Palace hope reaching the Europa League will put them in a strong position to tempt Iraola in.Oliver Glasner is set to leave at the end of the season, but has led his side into the Conference League quarter-finals, and success could boost the club’s efforts to replace him. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Crystal Palace make new plan to appoint Andoni IraolaFootball Insider first revealed in January that Crystal Palace are keen on Iraola and view him as a leading contender to replace Glasner when both boss’ contracts expire.The reports that he will be leaving Bournemouth at the end of a season has come as a huge boost to their plans, although they are not the only interested club.Andoni IraolaBournemouth RecordGames121Wins45Draws35Losses41Goals For197Goals Against190Andoni Iraola’s record as Bournemouth manager.
A number of Spanish sides are believed to have been keeping tabs on Iraola and hope to lure him back to his home country, although Palace feel they can get a deal done.“Andoni Iraola is going to be a hot commodity this summer,” Brown told Football Insider.“He’s a very highly regarded manager after what he’s done at Bournemouth, so it will be a big blow to them to lose him at the end of his contract.“A number of Premier League clubs could do with somebody like him, and Crystal Palace feel they might be able to temp him to join them, which would be a real coup.“If they can win the Conference League, so that they’re in the Europa League next season, that will give them a real boost in terms of who they can attract.“Iraola is an ambitious target for them because there are clubs all over Europe looking at him, but if they can show the right kind of ambition, they could get it done.“Managing in the Europa League for a club who are keen to make progress could be tempting for him, and it would improve Crystal Palace’s stock as well.“They’re a good club, Crystal Palace, and a stable one who are looking to continue with their gradual improvement, so prospective manager will look at that fondly.“We’ve seen it with Glasner, he’s build on the foundation that the club can provide and they’ve been successful, so Iraola could come in and do the same job.”Could Premier League rivals make a move for Iraola?As mentioned previously, Crystal Palace are far from the only club interested in keeping Iraola in the Premier League, as he continues to be linked with top jobs.Tottenham were considering the Spaniard among their options ahead of the summer, but were forced into an early change as they pursued Roberto De Zerbi instead.Credit: ImagoMeanwhile, Stefan Borson Football Insider in February that Man United are keen on Iraola and believe he would welcome the opportunity to move to Old Trafford.The former Man City financial adviser explained that his decision is unlikely to be motivated by the money on offer, but by the opportunity and project presented to him.Iraola has more recently been linked with the Newcastle United job amid uncertainty around Eddie Howe’s future, as his suitors continue to grow by the day. 👔 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