BIG TRANSFER: Athletic Club goes for Andoni Iraola

The Basque coach is the top choice to take over the helm at San Mamés

Héctor Andreu | 20 Mar 2026 | 17.51
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Iraola, the best option for Athletic / The Guardian
Iraola, the best option for Athletic / The Guardian

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Andoni Iraola has become the main candidate to take over the helm of the Athletic Club de Bilbao following the departure of Ernesto Valverde. The coach from Guipuzcoa meets all the requirements.

His knowledge of the club, his footballing identity, and his growth as a coach position him as the most logical choice to lead the new project. The red-and-white team faces a crucial moment and needs to make the right choice. In this context, Iraola's name gains strength every day.

Andoni Iraola, a natural bet for Athletic Club de Bilbao

The Athletic Club de Bilbao considers Andoni Iraola the ideal profile to continue its philosophy. The coach knows the club perfectly, where he had an extensive career as a player for over a decade.

His emotional connection with the club is a factor in his favor. Furthermore, his style fits with the team's historical identity.

Bournemouth complicates his departure

Andoni Iraola's current contract with Bournemouth runs until next summer, conditioning any immediate move. The English club has no intention of facilitating his early departure, especially after achieving good results.

In the Premier League, he has demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level, increasing his value in the market.

A coach in constant growth

Andoni Iraola has built an ascending career since his early days on the sidelines. After his time in Cyprus, he stood out with Mirandés and transitioned to LaLiga with Rayo Vallecano.

Subsequently, his arrival at Bournemouth confirmed his ability to adapt to demanding contexts. His evolution has been constant and highly valued in European football.

The dilemma of Athletic Club de Bilbao

The Athletic Club de Bilbao must decide whether to wait for Andoni Iraola or opt for an immediate solution. One option is to rely on an interim coach from the subsidiary until the end of the season.

This would allow more time to negotiate his arrival in the summer. However, there is also the possibility of trying to advance the operation.

Athletic wants Iraola

The option of an immediate agreement

The Basque club could consider negotiating with Bournemouth to release Andoni Iraola ahead of schedule. This approach would involve a financial cost but would allow starting the new project as soon as possible.

The decision will depend on the club's urgency and its negotiation capacity. In any case, the coach is the priority.

A profile that fits LaLiga

Andoni Iraola has proven to be a coach ready to compete in LaLiga. His style of play combines intensity, organization, and offensive capacity.

Furthermore, he has experience working with young squads, a key aspect in the model of Athletic Club de Bilbao. This reinforces his candidacy as Valverde's successor.

A meaningful comeback

Andoni Iraola's possible return to Athletic Club de Bilbao would hold great symbolic value. Not only would a former player return, but also a coach with identity and knowledge of the club.

These profiles are highly valued in the red-and-white structure, generating enthusiasm among the fans upon arrival.

A decisive summer

Andoni Iraola's future will be defined in the coming months, with the Athletic Club de Bilbao closely monitoring his situation. Bournemouth will try to keep him, but the Basque club's interest is strong.

In LaLiga, his name is already mentioned as one of the main figures in the coaching market. Andoni Iraola appears as the most logical choice to lead the new project of Athletic Club de Bilbao after the Valverde era.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, BOMBAZO: El Athletic va a por Andoni Iraola

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