Andoni Iraola has emerged as the preferred candidate to replace Ernesto Valverde at Athletic Club, with the club’s sporting department and dressing room aligned behind the Bournemouth manager as the search for a successor begins.
Iraola’s connection to Athletic runs deep. He spent 12 seasons as a player at San Mames, making over 500 appearances, captaining the side in his final years, and playing under Valverde toward the end of his career.
He left for New York City FC in 2015 before moving into management, and has since built one of the most impressive coaching reputations in European football.
At Bournemouth, he has built a side that consistently punches above its weight in the Premier League, turning a club with modest resources into a well-organised and competitive outfit that has rarely looked out of place in the top flight.
His contract at the Vitality Stadium expires in the summer. According to journalist Matteo Moretto, the sporting director, technical staff, and players are clear on who they want.
The dressing room’s familiarity with Iraola as a former captain and club legend makes the choice feel natural to those inside the building.
The picture is not entirely straightforward, though. AS reports that club president Jon Uriarte’s personal preference is Edin Terzic, the German coach who led Borussia Dortmund to the 2024 Champions League final.
Claudio Giraldez and Inigo Perez have also been mentioned, though the latter is expected to sign a new deal at Rayo Vallecano.
Iraola is expected to inform Bournemouth of his intentions before the end of the March international break.
The Cherries sit 10th in the Premier League, and losing the manager who has transformed the club into a credible top-flight outfit would be a significant blow, regardless of when it happens.
