Andoni Iraola decision could arrive soon after Liverpool claim involving former Bournemouth boss
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Bayer Leverkusen is hopeful of concluding a quick deal for Andoni Iraola after his final game with Bournemouth, with Liverpool tipped to be of interest to the Spaniard this weekBournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola.(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)Departing Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola is in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over becoming the new boss of the Bundesliga side this summer.Iraola was linked with being open to joining Liverpool earlier in the week, even though Arne Slot is expected to remain in charge and there is therefore no vacancy. The Dutchman won the Premier League title a year ago, but struggled in his second campaign at the helm, finishing fifth and qualifying for the Champions League.Leverkusen is hoping for a quick decision from Iraola, who has also been of interest to Crystal Palace.
Oliver Glasner has also been considered by the German side, while Filipe Luis turned down its advances after talks.According to Sky Germany, Leverkusen is now in "direct" communication with Iraola. Given that he is thought to be open to the move, a switch could be tied up pretty quickly.Jarell Quansah plays for Leverkusen after leaving Liverpool last summer.
Reds sporting director Richard Hughes worked with Iraola with the Cherries."We came here today to do the minimum, that’s the minimum required, and that is qualifying for the Champions League," Slot said after the final match of the Premier League season.Liverpool head coach Arne Slot with Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)"As you see when you take a look at the league table, big clubs are not able to qualify for the Champions League or Europe."Big clubs have not been able to qualify for Europe in the last few seasons in this league, so we can never take it for granted but it’s clear and obvious that we wanted more."But I’m really proud of the players, what they’ve done this season, because it’s been a very, very, very tough season for us, with all the things we had to experience, with all the injuries, and I can come up with all these things we have had to go through."But if this in the end is then the minimum for us, qualifying for the Champions League, fifth place, and going out in the FA Cup against the winners after losing an away game to Manchester City, which so many teams do.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreLiverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign."Losing against Paris Saint-Germain for the second year in a row, where no team in the last two years were able to beat them over two games."Over one game, Chelsea of course in the Club World Cup and maybe Arsenal now in the final, but over two games not one team has been able to do so."So yeah, not what I would have loved us to achieve this season before we started but taking everything into account, what has happened to us this season, I’m today happy that we’ve qualified for the Champions League."