Andoni Iraola to Palace rumours quickly shut down by journalists

Rumours linking Andoni Iraola with a move to Crystal Palace re-emerged on Thursday afternoon after several prominent social media accounts claimed the South London club had tabled a lucrative offer for the Bournemouth head coach. However, the speculation was swiftly dismissed by a number of respected domestic journalists, who suggested the reports were "wide of the mark".

Spanish outlet El Chiringuito and reporter Marcos Benito shared a video on X in which Benito claimed: "I'm told Iraola is close to joining Crystal Palace. There's been a lot of talk about Chelsea, about him potentially going there. I'm told he might not be entirely convinced by Chelsea's offer, and I'm told Crystal Palace could be the Premier League team where Iraola ends up. More of a long-term project, right? The Chelsea situation seems a bit unstable, doesn't it? That's the latest. I just received a message about it".

The claims immediately sparked debate among the Cherries fanbase, with many supporters questioning why Iraola would consider what they perceived to be a lateral move.

While Crystal Palace are widely regarded as a larger club than AFC Bournemouth, one fan summed up the mood by comparing the switch to "upgrading from an iPhone 8 to an iPhone 9 when the iPhone 17 is out".

The topic is not entirely new either. Back in March, former Palace chairman Simon Jordan discussed the links on talkSPORT alongside co-host Jim White. Jordan argued that while a move to Palace would not necessarily be "sideways", it also may not make much sense for an ambitious manager such as Iraola.

After criticising current Palace boss Oliver Glasner for some of his public frustrations with the club’s hierarchy, Jordan questioned why Iraola would be attracted to the role. He said: "So why would Iraola, who is an ambitious manager that will be sought after by lots of football clubs of a higher standing than potentially Crystal Palace, look at what's happened to Glasner and go 'oh, I'll have some of that'."

As the rumours circulated and betting odds shifted dramatically throughout Thursday afternoon, Bournemouth supporters voiced their confusion over what exactly Palace could currently offer Iraola that Bournemouth cannot.

Financially, owner Bill Foley has repeatedly demonstrated his willingness to back the club and reward key personnel accordingly. In terms of squad building, Glasner himself has publicly hinted at frustrations regarding support in the transfer market at Palace.

Supporters also pointed towards uncertainty surrounding Palace’s squad, with key figures such as Adam Wharton, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Chris Richards all attracting interest ahead of the summer window, potentially leaving the club facing a significant rebuild.

Even lifestyle factors were debated among fans, with some joking that London may not suit Iraola’s well-known love of exploring by bicycle.

For many supporters, the only obvious advantage Palace currently hold is the prospect of European football - yet Bournemouth themselves remain firmly in the hunt for continental qualification themselves.

Despite the noise online, the speculation quickly lost momentum when Alex Crook moved to dismiss the reports. He posted on X: "Despite claims to the contrary I understand nothing is advancing between #CPFC and Iraola at this stage."

Sports broadcaster Ben Jacobs echoed that stance, adding: "Suggestions Andoni Iraola is close to agreeing a deal to take over as Crystal Palace boss are wide of the mark. Iraola is a dream target for Palace but nothing is yet advancing as of now.The Bournemouth boss will assess all options, and is also on Chelsea’s shortlist."

For now, it appears the rumours are little more than speculation, but the reaction from Bournemouth supporters perhaps underlines just how far the club has come under Iraola’s leadership - to the point where fans no longer view clubs such as Crystal Palace as an obvious step up for one of the Premier League’s most highly-rated managers.