Head coach hired by Liverpool chief Richard Hughes to leave club in summer

Andoni Iraola has been strongly linked with Manchester United, but the Spaniard appears set on a return to Athletic Club in his homeland after confirming his Bournemouth departure

Richard Hughes worked with Andoni Iraola (Image: Getty Images)

Manchester United faces an uphill battle in its attempts to lure Andoni Iraola as its next permanent manager this summer, despite him being set to depart Bournemouth when the season concludes.

Speculation surrounding Iraola's future has intensified in recent months, with his current deal set to expire in June. His impressive work at Bournemouth has attracted interest from clubs further up the pyramid, including United, which is preparing to appoint a new manager in the summer.

Iraola was hired by Bournemouth in 2023 when Richard Hughes was the club's technical director. Hughes left that position a year later to become Liverpool's sporting director, a role he still holds today.

Iraola has also been mentioned in connection with Crystal Palace, which will see Oliver Glasner depart in the summer, and Athletic Club, which is searching for Ernesto Valverde's replacement following his recent announcement that he will step down this summer.

It has now been confirmed that negotiations to prolong Iraola's tenure at Bournemouth have broken down and that he will exit at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.

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

Iraola is leaving Bournemouth(Image: Getty Images)

"I'm thankful to the players and staff that I've worked with, as well as (chairman) Bill (Foley), 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."

Following back-to-back campaigns that saw the Cherries finish ninth and 12th under his stewardship, he's now got them sitting 11th and undefeated in 12 matches after their remarkable 2-1 victory over Arsenal on Saturday.

Yet, despite his soaring reputation in the Premier League, Iraola seems intent on heading back to Spain. According to BBC Sport, the 43-year-old is eager to return to his homeland with his family, and Athletic Club is the most likely destination.

Iraola spent 12 years with the club as a player and maintains deep ties with the Basque outfit, where he made more than 400 appearances. He's regarded as a club icon at Athletic Club, and United is highly unlikely to stand a chance in any pursuit.

United has Michael Carrick serving as caretaker boss until the season concludes, but has yet to announce its permanent replacement for Ruben Amorim, who was dismissed in January.

Soccer director Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada have been comfortable taking their time with the appointment, given United is positioned third in the Premier League and firmly on track to secure Champions League qualification.

"Andoni has been instrumental in shaping the direction of this football club over the past three seasons," Bournemouth chairman Foley said. "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."