Iraola To Leave Bournemouth At End Of 2025-26 Season

Andoni Iraola has told AFC Bournemouth that this will be the final season in charge, with the head coach set to depart after the 2025-26 campaign. The Spaniard’s decision ends a tenure that has seen Bournemouth stabilise in the Premier League, record their best points totals, and enjoy a long unbeaten league run under Iraola’s guidance.

Iraola originally arrived on the south coast in June 2023, replacing Gary O'Neil. Since then, Iraola has overseen 121 competitive matches, winning 45, drawing 35, and losing 41. Across this period, Bournemouth climbed to 12th and then ninth in the Premier League, and currently sit 11th as the final weeks of this season approach.

The club extended Iraola’s stay in May 2024 with a 12‑month agreement, which carried his deal through to the end of the 2025-26 season. Iraola has now decided against signing another contract, informing the Bournemouth hierarchy of his plan to move on. Reports in England state that Iraola also spoke to the players on Tuesday to outline the decision.

Speculation over Iraola’s next step has grown quickly. It has been reported that Athletic Club would like Iraola to replace Ernesto Valverde, who leaves at the end of the season after a third spell in Bilbao. There is also said to be Premier League interest in Iraola, who remains highly regarded after recent work with Bournemouth.

Bournemouth’s rise under Iraola included their highest Premier League points total, achieved in back‑to‑back campaigns. The ninth‑placed finish delivered the new benchmark, building on the previous season’s improvement. Iraola also oversaw a memorable 2-1 away victory at Arsenal, who were chasing the title, during a sequence that highlighted Bournemouth’s growing confidence.

That win at Arsenal formed part of a 12‑match unbeaten league run, with five victories and seven draws. It was Bournemouth’s longest sequence without defeat in the competition. The numbers underlined how the squad adjusted to Iraola’s methods, as Bournemouth transitioned from relegation concerns to a secure mid‑table position.

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The current campaign still has six league fixtures remaining for Bournemouth, with Iraola’s final match scheduled away to Nottingham Forest on 24 May. Bournemouth sit 11th heading into the run‑in, aiming to finish in the top half for a second straight season. The club must also now prepare for a new coaching era once Iraola steps aside.

Iraola’s influence at Bournemouth followed a long playing spell with Athletic Club. Iraola spent 12 years in Bilbao and made more than 500 appearances for the Basque side. Iraola captained Marcelo Bielsa’s team that eliminated Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United from the 2011-12 Europa League, a run that enhanced Iraola’s reputation in European football.

Alongside the official announcement, the 43‑year‑old addressed Bournemouth supporters with a detailed farewell message. Iraola’s statement reflected on shared progress, thanked senior figures, and acknowledged the backing from the stands. The message also stressed Iraola’s belief that the upcoming summer represents the correct moment for a change on the touchline.

"It has been an honour to manage AFC Bournemouth, and I am proud of what we have achieved together," Iraola said in a message on the club's website. "I'm thankful to the players and staff that I've worked with, as well as Bill [Foley], who have all made my time here so special. As for the fans, you have continued to show your fantastic support for myself and the team, and for that I will always be grateful. I feel this is the right moment for me to step away, but I will always carry fantastic memories of this club."

Iraola’s time at Bournemouth closes with the club in a stronger competitive position than when Iraola arrived, having moved clear of relegation battles, set new points records, and delivered consistent mid‑table finishes. The search for a successor now becomes central for Bournemouth, while Iraola weighs interest from Athletic Club and other potential Premier League opportunities.