Portugal Colonial - Bournemouth manager Iraola to leave at end of season

The Spaniard joined the south coast club in 2023 and led them to their equal highest top-flight finish of ninth last season, earning their highest points tally of 56, and reaching the FA Cup quarter-finals.

"It has been an honour to manage AFC Bournemouth and I am proud of what we have achieved together," said Iraola in a club statement confirming his departure.

The 43-year-old Spaniard joined in 2023, replacing then head coach Gary O'Neil.

But his contract expires after the end of the current campaign and talks over a new deal were unsuccessful despite Bournemouth reportedly wanting to keep Iraola at the Vitality Stadium.

The Spaniard, one of the most highly-regarded coaches in Europe, may now leave the Cherries for free at the end of the campaign.

Iraola has been linked with a return to Spanish side Athletic Bilbao as well as Manchester United.

He spent 12 years at Bilbao as a player, making over 500 appearances for the club.

Tuesday's announcement came just days after Iraola, who has six games left at Bournemouth this season, oversaw a superb 2-1 win away to Premier League leaders Arsenal last weekend.

Iraola's final home game will be against Manchester City on Sunday, May 17, ahead of a trip to Nottingham Forest on the last day of the Premier League campaign.

He could bow out on a high by securing the first European qualification in Bournemouth's history.

The Cherries are currently 11th, two points adrift of a seventh-placed finish, which would get them into next season's Conference League.

R.J.Fidalgo--PC