By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Kenya, 9 May 2026 - Crystal Palace FC are reportedly pushing to complete one of the most ambitious managerial appointments of the summer by targeting Andoni Iraola as their preferred successor to outgoing manager Oliver Glasner.
According to multiple reports across English and Spanish football media, Palace have intensified efforts to convince the highly-rated Bournemouth coach to move to Selhurst Park ahead of next season. The move is viewed internally as a major statement of intent from the London club, especially following their recent rise domestically and in Europe.
Iraola has become one of the most sought-after managers in European football after transforming AFC Bournemouth into one of the Premier League’s most exciting teams. Since arriving on the south coast in 2023, the Spaniard has earned widespread praise for his aggressive pressing style, attacking football, and ability to maximize the potential of relatively modest resources.
This season, Bournemouth have exceeded nearly all expectations. The club currently sit inside the European qualification places and recently extended their unbeaten Premier League run to 15 matches, the longest active streak across Europe’s top five leagues. Victories over top sides including Arsenal and Liverpool have only strengthened Iraola’s reputation as one of the brightest tactical minds in the game.
Reports suggest Palace’s interest in Iraola first emerged several months ago as uncertainty surrounding Oliver Glasner’s future began to grow. Glasner, who guided Palace to a historic FA Cup triumph and a UEFA Conference League final this season, is expected to leave the club at the end of the campaign following tensions behind the scenes and ongoing disagreements with the club hierarchy.
Rather than pursue a safer or more conventional appointment, Palace have instead targeted one of the Premier League’s most admired coaches.
According to talkSPORT and several other outlets, Palace have already made multiple approaches to Iraola and are believed to have presented a lucrative financial package in an attempt to convince him to take over in south London.
What makes the situation particularly interesting is the level of competition Palace face for his signature.
Iraola has also been linked with managerial positions at Chelsea, Manchester United, and clubs in Spain, including his former side Athletic Club. Several reports indicate Chelsea had identified him as a leading candidate following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior, while Manchester United had also monitored his situation earlier in the season.
Despite that interest, recent reports suggest Crystal Palace may now be leading the race.
BBC journalist Sami Mokbel and other English football reporters claim Iraola is “very attracted” to Palace’s sporting project and views the club as an ambitious environment with long-term potential. The prospect of managing a team competing in Europe next season is also believed to be a major factor in discussions.
More from Kenya
Palace’s recent success has significantly changed how the club is viewed across European football. Winning the FA Cup, reaching the UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano, and consistently developing talented players has strengthened their reputation as one of the Premier League’s most progressive projects.
For Iraola, the appeal may lie in joining a club with growing ambition while still maintaining the type of developmental structure that helped him thrive at Bournemouth.
At Bournemouth, Iraola has repeatedly emphasized the importance of long-term planning, trust, and identity. His teams are known for relentless pressing, vertical attacking football, and high energy without the massive budgets available to England’s traditional elite.
Those qualities appear to align closely with Palace’s vision moving forward.
Still, uncertainty remains around whether Bournemouth can convince him to stay. The Cherries have reportedly offered Iraola a new contract, but the Spaniard has delayed making a final decision on his future for several weeks. Speaking earlier this year, he admitted a resolution would arrive “sooner rather than later,” though he stopped short of confirming his plans publicly.
The timing of the situation is also delicate because Bournemouth are still chasing a historic European qualification finish. Any announcement regarding Iraola’s future before the season concludes could create unwanted distraction during the club’s final fixtures.
For Crystal Palace, however, the pursuit itself already signals how much expectations around the club have changed.
Not long ago, Palace were primarily viewed as a club focused on Premier League survival. Now they are competing in Europe, winning major trophies, and attempting to attract one of the most highly regarded young coaches in football.
Whether they ultimately secure Iraola or not, their ambition is becoming impossible to ignore.