AFC Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola will leave the club at the end of the current season after opting not to renew his contract, which expires in three months.
The Spaniard has turned down multiple offers to extend his stay on the south coast, amid reported interest from his former side, Athletic Club, as well as links to other Premier League clubs.
In a statement released on the club’s official website, Iraola described his decision as timely, saying it was “the right moment” for him to step away.
Iraola, who has six matches remaining, will take charge of his final home game against Manchester City on Sunday, May 17, before concluding the campaign with an away fixture against Nottingham Forest.
While Bournemouth are disappointed to see him depart, the club acknowledged that every effort was made to retain him, and both parties part ways on respectful terms. Initial discussions over a contract extension began more than 15 months ago, but Iraola chose to delay decisive talks until later in the season.
Currently sitting 11th in the Premier League table, Bournemouth remain in contention for a first-ever European qualification. They are just two points behind seventh place, which could secure a spot in next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League.
Iraola’s tenure has been marked by progress. Last season, he guided the club to a ninth-place finish with a record 56 points, the highest tally in Bournemouth’s top-flight history.
His achievements are particularly notable given the club’s substantial player turnover, with key departures including Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, Illia Zabarnyi, Dango Ouattara and Antoine Semenyo, generating a combined £253 million.
Iraola leaves Bournemouth after three impactful years, having overseen one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.