Manchester City will reportedly prioritise appointing 43-year-old Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola as Pep Guardiola’s replacement.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Andoni Iraola is the subject of interest from Manchester City. The Citizens are scouring the market for a top-class manager amid uncertainties surrounding Pep Guardiola’s long-term future. So, the Bournemouth boss has emerged as the priority target for the Premier League bigwigs.

Andoni Iraola and his Premier League journey so far

Andoni Iraola has established himself as one of the best managers in the Premier League since joining Bournemouth over two years ago. The Spaniard was an underrated full-back during his professional career, spending most of his playing days with Athletic Club and representing Spain seven times.

The 43-year-old began his managerial career in Cyprus, taking over at AEK Larnaca in 2018 before returning to Spain a year later. Iraola rose in prominence in the coaching sphere during his spell with Rayo Vallecano, taking the club from the second division to a solid base in La Liga. That earned him a job with Bournemouth in 2023.

Since then, Iraola has taken Bournemouth to new heights, making the Cherries one of the most resolute teams in the Premier League. A top-half finish in the Premier League is possible this season, with the Spanish tactician selling dreams of European qualification with his team’s exploits in the ongoing campaign. That has piqued the attention of several bigwigs, including Manchester City.

Move across the Premier League on the cards?

Andoni Iraola has been on Manchester City’s radar for a long time. The continued interest makes sense, as recent reports have created speculation surrounding Pep Guardiola’s long-term future. Amid concerns that 2025/26 will be Guardiola’s final season at the Etihad, Manchester City must start planning for life after the former Barcelona boss.

Several candidates, including Roberto De Zerbi, have thus emerged on Manchester City’s radar, with Iraola also a viable target. The latest report has revealed that the 43-year-old Spaniard is the priority target for Manchester City if Guardiola calls time on his stint at the Etihad.

However, it is unclear if Iraola will leave Bournemouth to join Manchester City despite the appeal to manage one of the world’s biggest clubs. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Spanish tactician.