As things stand, Crystal Palace seem to have a tremendous chance of hiring Andoni Iraola.
When rumours of the Spaniard replacing Oliver Glasner first emerged, many rival fans outside of Selhurst Park scoffed, asking why the 43-year-old would abandon the chance to lead Bournemouth in Europe just to manage Crystal Palace instead.
Even some Crystal Palace fans wondered that themselves, but a new development emerging from Chelsea bodes very well for Steve Parish in his quest to hire Iraola.
Who do YOU want as the next Crystal Palace boss? 🤔
Chelsea players want Xabi Alonso as Andoni Iraola holds out for London move
Crucially, Iraola wants to live in London.
The Telegraph reported that detail recently, and respected journalist Sacha Tavolieri has now added to it, writing on X (previously known as Twitter): “Andoni Iraola prefers a move to a club in London simply because he wants to enroll his children in a school where they can learn in their mother tongue. In London, that makes the whole process easier.”
It made Crystal Palace or Chelsea the favourites to secure his signature, but with the Guardian now claiming that Xabi Alonso is edging closer to a switch to Stamford Bridge, all signs are pointing to Iraola moving to Selhurst Park.
The Guardian believe Alonso has the backing of Chelsea players and is wanted by many in the squad, while talks with the Spaniard’s representatives are said to be “moving in the right direction” for BlueCo.
With no other club in London in a position to rival Crystal Palace for Iraola besides Chelsea, it very much feels like the Bournemouth boss could soon be managing the Eagles.
Outside of London, Manchester United were linked as well – but look set to keep Michael Carrick in charge.
Parish is already said to have made a “considerable” offer to the man born in Usurbil, which he is seriously considering having already announced his decision to leave Bournemouth when the season ends.
Who deserves to start up top in the UEFA Conference League final? 🤔
Glasner seems to trust Mateta more at the moment… 👀
Make sure to keep a close eye on this situation, as it all seems to be moving in the right direction as far as Crystal Palace are concerned.
