Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola will LEAVE at the end of the season

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola will leave at the end of the season, bringing to a close a three-year reign at the club.

Iraola will depart as a free agent after failing to agree fresh terms with the Cherries who had been determined to extend his stay.

The 43-year-old joined in 2023 replacing Gary O’Neil and has helped improve the club since – delivering a record points total of 56 in 2024-25 and achieving their joint-highest finish of ninth place.

It is unclear where Iraola will go next, but he is being heavily linked with a return to Athletic Bilbao – where spent 12 years at the Basque club as a player, making over 400 appearances for the club.

‘It has been an honour to manage AFC Bournemouth and I am proud of what we have achieved together,’ Iraola said in a statement on the Bournemouth website.

‘I’m thankful to the players and staff that I’ve worked with, as well as Bill [Foley, chairman], who have all made my time here so special.

‘As for the fans, you have continued to show your fantastic support to 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.’

Foley added: ‘Andoni has been instrumental in shaping the direction of this football club over the past three seasons.

‘He brought intensity, innovation and a clear philosophy that elevated AFC Bournemouth both on and off the pitch.

‘We are incredibly thankful for his leadership and will always have great memories of our time working together, as well as the things we accomplished.’