Andoni Iraola: Crystal Palace's Top Choice to Replace Glasner
Andoni Iraola has emerged as Crystal Palace’s leading choice to replace Oliver Glasner, with the south London club moving with intent to secure the Bournemouth manager for next season.
Glasner, who has delivered Palace’s first-ever European final, will walk away from Selhurst Park at the end of the month, having confirmed in January that he would step down. His departure leaves a sizeable void, but Palace believe they have found the man to fill it.
Iraola at the top of the list
Multiple sources indicate Iraola sits at the top of Palace’s shortlist, with the club now at an advanced stage in their search. The 41-year-old announced last month that he will leave Bournemouth this summer, instantly turning him into one of the Premier League’s most attractive free agents.
Palace, aware of the opportunity, have started to make what have been described as concrete moves to convince him to stay in England and head to Selhurst Park. Iraola is understood to be aware of the interest and, after initial discussions, is not dismissing the idea of taking charge of the Eagles next season.
He has already decided his time on the south coast is over. What he has not closed the door on is the Premier League.
A crowded field of contenders
Palace have cast the net wide. Coventry manager Frank Lampard, Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna, former Tottenham manager Thomas Frank, ex-Nottingham Forest head coach Sean Dyche, Fulham’s Marco Silva and Lens coach Pierre Sage have all been explored as potential options.
The hierarchy are adamant the process remains fluid. There is confidence within the club that, even if a move for Iraola falls through, they can still attract an accomplished head coach to lead a squad now tasting European football.
But they also know time matters. Palace want their new man in place as soon as possible, with summer recruitment looming and a European campaign to plan. Leaving a new head coach on the sidelines while key transfer decisions are made is not an option they are keen to entertain.
Premier League pull and rival interest
Iraola’s stock has risen sharply, and not just at Palace. BBC Sport first revealed the Eagles’ interest in January, at a time when the Spaniard was also linked with Athletic Bilbao. That route has now closed, with German coach Edin Terzic appointed there this week, removing one major rival from the chase.
He would have been tempted by Newcastle, too, but that door appears to be staying shut. Barring a dramatic change, Eddie Howe is expected to remain at St James’ Park next season.
Chelsea are also in the market. The Stamford Bridge club are searching for a replacement for Liam Rosenior, who was sacked last month, and Iraola features among the names under consideration. Palace know they are not alone in admiring his work.
Even so, the offer on the table in SE25 comes with its own powerful lure.
Europa nights on the horizon
Palace stand on the brink of a European breakthrough. Glasner will lead them into the Europa Conference League final against Spanish side Rayo Vallecano on 27 May, with the winner guaranteed a place in next season’s Europa League.
For any incoming manager, that is a rare platform: a Premier League club, a growing squad, and the prospect of Thursday nights under the lights against continental opposition.
Palace believe that combination can tilt the decision their way. Iraola wants to stay in the Premier League. Palace want a progressive, front-foot coach to build on Glasner’s work and carry them into Europe as more than just tourists.
Now the question is simple: does Iraola see his next chapter unfolding in red and blue?
