Crystal Palace have made it clear to Andoni Iraola he is their number one target to replace Oliver Glasner, eSPORTY understands.
While the deal is not believed to be advanced at this stage, Iraola has not yet ruled out a move from Bournemouth to Selhurst Park.
3
The chances of Palace landing the Spaniard could depend on if Chelsea follow up their early interest and the Eagles qualifying for next season’s Europa League.
eSPORTY can exclusively reveal the Eagles have also held talks with former Flamengo boss Felipe Luis.
Palace have also considered Frank Lampard, although he looks set to stay at Coventry.
Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank and Lens chief Pierre Sage have also both been considered.
Iraola’s future has been a topic of discussion ever since he confirmed he would leave the Cherries at the end of the season.
Palace have also known for several months they would need a new face in the Selhurst Park dugout after Glasner revealed this campaign would be his last at the club.
Why is Iraola coveted by Bournemouth’s rivals?
Iraola has gained plenty of admirers since taking over Bournemouth in June 2023.
The Spaniard has the Cherries on the precipice of European football for the first time in club history as they sit sixth in the Premier League with three games remaining.
Central to Bournemouth’s push for continental football next term is their remarkable 15-match unbeaten streak in the league, which has included stunning victories over Arsenal and Liverpool.
Iraola has already been asked about his future, especially the links to Chelsea, but insisted his full focus remains on Bournemouth until the campaign is complete.
3
“I said it when I announced that I was not continuing that I will not talk about any other thing about my future because I have to be very respectful with this club because I have to thank them for a lot of things,” Iraola said.
Filipe-ing heck
As for Luis, he is available immediately having been axed by Flamengo in March.
Luis enjoyed a trophy-laden stint in charge of Flamengo, scooping up a remarkable seven pieces of silverware across the 101 games he oversaw.
The ex-Chelsea defender was even named South American coach of the year in 2025.
Luis’ work in Brazil prompted rumours he could be a future Chelsea or Atletico Madrid manager.
Speaking last December on Luis’ managerial credentials, South American football expert Tim Vickery said: “He’s a very intelligent young man.
3
“He’s only been doing it for just over a year.
“He’s already won everything there is to be won.”
Whomever takes up the impending vacancy at Palace could have a Europa League campaign to look forward to.
The Eagles booked their spot in the Conference League final after beating Shakhtar Donetsk 5-2 on aggregate in the semi-finals on Thursday.
Palace will take on Rayo Vallecano in the final on May 27, where the winner will earn a spot in next season’s Europa League.
