Media reports suggest that Europa Conference League finalists Crystal Palace are eying up a move for highly-rated Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola as a replacement for outgoing boss Oliver Glasner, with the Eagles believed to be ready to offer the Spaniard a three-year deal.
Iraola set to leave Bournemouth this summer
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Despite Bournemouth’s stellar campaign, which could still see the Cherries secure a Champions League spot for next season, Iraola has already revealed that he will leave the south coast this summer when his contract expires.
The decision to leave this summer was made months ago, and Iraola is believed to be interested in making the move to Palace.
However, Iraola will be a man in demand this summer, with reported interest from Athletic Club in his homeland, and from Premier League Chelsea, who are looking for yet another head coach after the exit of Liam Rosenior.
Iraola has done an excellent job despite losing key players
Iraola has impressed during his time with Bournemouth. Not only has he taken the Cherries to the brink of European football for the first time in the club’s history, but he has also made the team play attractive football while maintaining solid defensive foundations.
The latter part is especially impressive as the Cherries lost the likes of Milos Kerkez, Dean Huijsen and Ilya Zabarnyi last summer. That was three of the four back from last season’s campaign. The south coast outfit also lost star winger Antoine Semenyo in the January transfer window to Manchester City.
Palace would be a strange move for Iraola
Iraola heads into this summer campaign with the freedom to choose where he goes next. For some, a move to Crystal Palace would be a strange one for the 43-year-old, whose reputation is currently sky high after Bournemouth’s sensational season.
@sleeper_bournemouth Andoni Iraola CLOSE to joining Crystal Palace!? 🤯 How will we feel if these reports are true Bournemouth fans? 😬🍒 #afcbournemouth #crystalpalace #iraola #premierleague #football ♬ original sound – Sleeper Bournemouth
Although Palace are in the Europa League conference final on May 27th against Rayo Vallecano, the Eagles are currently in 14th place in the Premier League table. Looking at the two clubs, it is difficult to say that a move to the Eagles would be a step up for the Spaniard.