- Iraola turns down two offers from Palace
- Chelsea join the race after Rosenior sacking
- Palace face stern competition for Spaniard’s signature
Crystal Palace continue their pursuit of a new manager to replace Oliver Glasner in the Summer, and Bournemouth’s also departing Andoni Iraola has been a name that Palace are reportedly interested in.
With Glasner confirming his intention to leave Palace at the end of the season back in January, the club have had ample time to identify and install a replacement ahead of schedule. Premier League competitors Bournemouth have, in some aspects, shown Palace up, confirming the appointment of Marco Rose just a day after Iraola’s departure was announced by the club.
It has been reported by The Sun, that within Palace’s attempts to persuade Iraola to join the club, the Spaniard has already turned down two contract offers from the South London club.
His side drew 2-2 with Leeds United in a dramatic Premier League game, leaving Bournemouth 7th in the league table with three games to go.
Iraola a dream candidate
In an article about identifying Chelsea’s replacement for Liam Rosenior, The Sun revealed that Iraola is also on the list for the FIFA Club World Cup Champions. They report that he has already turned down two contract offers from Palace, who are desperate to land what would be a dream appointment.
It is likely that Palace’s chances of securing Iraola’s signature will come down to how next season is set-up for the club, and whether European football will be on the cards or not. Even then, Iraola is likely to have a plethora of clubs lining up for his services, and Palace may not be the most ideal destination.
He has averaged 1.42 points per game whilst at Bournemouth, which is actually less than Glasner’s 1.62 across his time at Palace. However, the South Coast side are flying high in the Premier League this campaign, and are currently six points clear of Palace having played two more games than Glasner’s men.
Iraola has also only had domestic football to focus on, but still, his success with Bournemouth is a clear sign of the talent he possesses as a manager.
Heart set on return to Spain
Whilst many clubs would be interested, there are reports that Iraola’s heart is set on a return to the club of his heart. Athletic Club de Bilbao are in search of a new manager in the Summer, and Iraola played over 400 times for the Basque club.
That move would be the fairytale next step, however he may have his sights set higher, with a focus on expanding his managerial CV and leaving a return to Bilbao for later down the line.
Palace’s managerial hunt will continue to churn on, and whether it be Iraola or someone else, the club will most certainly have a replacement for Glasner lined up well in advance of pre-season beginning.
