Andoni Iraola is expected to join Crystal Palace when his Bournemouth contract expires, with the Premier League club moving to the front of the queue after talks between the Spaniard and AC Milan collapsed. The 43-year-old confirmed his departure from Bournemouth at the end of a season in which he guided the club into European football, and has since been courted by several clubs across the continent.
Milan had identified Iraola as their primary target to succeed Massimiliano Allegri, who was dismissed after the club missed out on Champions League qualification. Negotiations progressed to a meaningful stage before breaking down entirely, with Iraola understood to harbour serious reservations about joining a club currently in a period of significant transition — one that also lost its senior footballing leadership in the same clear-out.
The preference to remain in the Premier League appears to be a decisive factor. Crystal Palace, who will themselves compete in European football next season following their Conference League triumph, parted ways with Oliver Glasner at the close of the campaign and have been actively searching for a replacement. The combination of top-flight continuity and European competition is said to appeal to Iraola, for both professional and personal reasons. Palace have spoken with several candidates, though Iraola is understood to be the leading figure in their thinking.
Liverpool's name has also entered the conversation. Despite a difficult 2025/26 season — a sharp contrast to the title-winning campaign that preceded it — Liverpool secured Champions League football on the final day, and their management have shown no indication that they intend to move on from their current head coach. The possibility of a role at Anfield appears remote, though Iraola is said to regard it as the most attractive option available to him should circumstances change.
Milan, meanwhile, must now redirect their attention. Mauricio Pochettino, currently in charge of the United States national side, has been identified as a candidate, having already indicated his availability in some form. Oliver Glasner and former Barcelona manager Xavi have also been mentioned in connection with the role. Bournemouth, for their part, have already moved forward: Marco Rose has been agreed as Iraola's successor at the Vitality Stadium. The only remaining question is where Iraola himself lands — and the signs increasingly point to south London.