Club owner Bill Foley to hold contract talks with Andoni Iraola as Bournemouth push for Europe.

 Bournemouth are preparing to open formal contract negotiations with head coach Andoni Iraola this week as they look to secure his long-term future amid growing interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

Club owner Bill Foley is expected to arrive in England in the coming days, sources have confirmed, with talks set to take place ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The American businessman is also scheduled to remain in the country for the official opening of Bournemouth’s new state-of-the-art training facility.

High on his agenda, however, will be a face-to-face meeting with Iraola. The 42-year-old Spaniard, whose current contract runs until the end of the 2025–26 season, has caught the attention of several top clubs after guiding Bournemouth to a sensational campaign. The Cherries currently sit eighth in the Premier League table and are eyeing a historic first qualification for European competition.

Iraola initially signed a two-year deal when he joined from Rayo Vallecano in June 2023, before agreeing to a one-year extension last May. His calm tactical approach, high-pressing philosophy and ability to develop young players have made him one of the most admired managers in the division.

Despite increasing speculation linking him with a potential move to Tottenham Hotspur—where Ange Postecoglou is under mounting pressure following a disappointing season—Bournemouth remain confident that Iraola is open to staying on the south coast.

Sources within the club believe that Iraola has fully bought into the long-term vision under Foley’s ownership, and that the ongoing improvements to infrastructure, including the new training centre, underline the club’s ambition to challenge regularly in the top half of the table.

“There’s a strong belief at the Vitality that Iraola sees the club as a serious project,” said a source close to the negotiations. “He’s happy, the players respect him, and he’s achieved a lot in a short space of time.”

Still, the timing of the talks is crucial. With Tottenham reportedly compiling a shortlist of potential replacements for Postecoglou, Bournemouth are keen to finalise a new deal before the summer window opens and other clubs intensify their interest.

Foley, known for his hands-on approach and keen involvement in major club decisions, will lead the negotiations personally. His visit comes at a pivotal moment, not only for the club’s Premier League ambitions but also for cementing its managerial stability as they head into what could be their most successful campaign yet.

Spurs, for their part, have not made any official approach for Iraola. However, sources within the game suggest he is among a small group of managers being considered should the club choose to part ways with the Australian boss.

Postecoglou’s future at Tottenham is under scrutiny following a string of poor performances that have seen the team drop out of the Champions League places and crash out of domestic competitions. With unrest growing among fans and questions being raised at board level, the pressure is mounting.

Bournemouth’s swift move to open talks with Iraola reflects both their ambition and their determination to ward off potential suitors. The club sees the 42-year-old as a central figure in its future, especially as they continue to expand their facilities and invest in the squad.

Foley’s visit and the outcome of the talks could be decisive in shaping the next phase of Bournemouth’s impressive rise under Iraola.