Crystal Palace have identified Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola as their leading candidate to replace outgoing manager Oliver Glasner ahead of next season, with several high-profile coaches also under consideration.
Crystal Palace are stepping up their search for a new manager following Oliver Glasner’s decision to leave the club at the end of the season, with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola emerging as the leading candidate for the role.
The Eagles are preparing for a major transition at Selhurst Park after Glasner confirmed earlier this year that he would step down this month. The Austrian coach leaves after guiding Palace to a historic European final, marking one of the club’s most successful modern campaigns.
Palace officials are now working behind the scenes to secure a successor quickly, and multiple reports suggest Iraola sits at the top of the club’s shortlist.
The Spanish tactician recently announced he will leave Bournemouth this summer, opening the door for Premier League rivals to make their move. Crystal Palace are now understood to be pushing hard to convince the highly-rated coach to remain in England.
Sources close to the situation indicate that preliminary discussions have already taken place. Iraola is believed to be aware of Palace’s interest and has not ruled out taking charge in south London next season.
After deciding to leave Bournemouth, the former Rayo Vallecano manager is reportedly open to continuing his career in the Premier League, where his attacking football and tactical flexibility have earned widespread praise.
Crystal Palace are also considering several other experienced managers as part of their recruitment process. Coventry City boss Frank Lampard, Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna, former Tottenham coach Thomas Frank, ex-Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche, Fulham boss Marco Silva, and Lens coach Pierre Sage have all been explored as possible candidates.
Palace had been tracking Iraola for months, with interest in the Spaniard first emerging back in January. He was also linked with the Athletic Bilbao job before the La Liga side appointed German coach Edin Terzic earlier this week.
While Palace remain determined to land Iraola, club executives understand the managerial market can change quickly. The south London side are confident they can still attract a high-level replacement even if their top target chooses another destination.
Iraola has also been linked with other Premier League opportunities. Newcastle United had been viewed as a possible option, although Eddie Howe is currently expected to remain at St James’ Park unless there is an unexpected development.
Chelsea are another club monitoring managerial options after parting company with Liam Rosenior last month, and Iraola’s name has reportedly been discussed among potential candidates at Stamford Bridge.
Crystal Palace are eager to appoint a new manager as soon as possible to ensure preparations for the summer transfer window are not delayed. The club want their next head coach heavily involved in recruitment decisions ahead of what could be another important season.
The opportunity to lead Palace into European competition may prove a major attraction. The Eagles are preparing for the Europa Conference League final against Spanish side Rayo Vallecano on 27 May, with the winners securing a place in next season’s Europa League.
With European football on the horizon and major changes expected this summer, Crystal Palace are now entering a crucial period both on and off the pitch.
Crystal Palace, Andoni Iraola, Oliver Glasner, Bournemouth manager, Premier League news, Crystal Palace manager search, Europa League, Frank Lampard, Kieran McKenna, Thomas Frank
