- Crystal Palace eyeing Andoni Iraola
- Bournemouth boss’ future uncertain
- The Spaniard ticks all the boxes
Crystal Palace are reportedly considering a ‘shock move’ for Andoni Iraola to replace Oliver Glasner this summer. The Eagles are on the lookout for a successor and appear to be eyeing the Bournemouth boss.
Glasner will leave Selhurst Park in June when his contract expires and there have been several names linked with replacing him. Reports of Steve Parish and the board holding talks with Sean Dyche over the job did not go down well with fans.
Iraola, meanwhile, is one of Europe’s most highly rated up-and-coming tacticians and has been hugely impressive at the Vitality. The Spaniard replaced Gary O’Neil in July 2023 and has propelled the Cherries into European qualification contention.
Eyeing Iraola
According to Mike McGrath of The Telegraph, Iraola is “understood to be a potential candidate.” Palace fans want the club to show ambition when finding a Glasner replacement and the Basque coach would certainly fit the bill.
Iraola’s contract expires this summer but he has not indicated his next move heading into the final stretch of the season. He has also been linked with the Athletic Bilbao job, which would give him the chance to return to his boyhood club.
Iraola currently has Bournemouth sitting 13th in the Premier League table, four points of European qualification. He has worked wonders with a tight budget and star players constantly heading for the exit door.
The 43-year-old has dealt with the likes of Antoine Semenyo and Dean Huijsen leaving in recent windows. He and the Cherries recruitment staff continue to improve despite major sales and the latest star shining bright under the Spaniard is Brazilian winger Rayan.
Crystal Palace Can Make a Statement
When the news broke regarding Glasner’s departure, many rival fans assumed the Eagles’ rise may end. The glorious FA Cup win was seen as the peak, and finding a replacement capable of building on that success in a new era would prove extremely difficult.
There might not be a more exciting appointment than Iraola, who isn’t just admired by the South Londoners. He is talked up for the Tottenham Hotspur job, while Manchester United are thought to have him on their radar as a candidate to become their permanent coach.
Iraola is Premier League experienced and has found success with a club lacking financial muscle. He is the ideal man to take over from Glasner and continue to keep the Eagles in Europe.
