In a significant managerial shake-up, Andoni Iraola is set to depart AFC Bournemouth when the season concludes, marking the end of a transformative three-year tenure at the Vitality Stadium.

The highly-regarded Spanish tactician, whose current contract expires in July, is now in advanced talks for a dramatic return to his former club, Athletic Bilbao, where he is a legendary figure from his 400+ appearances as a player.

Bournemouth had been keen to secure Iraola's future, opening negotiations on a new deal after he masterminded impressive 12th and 9th-place finishes in his first two Premier League campaigns. However, with talks breaking down, the Cherries will now lose the architect of their recent success.

His impending exit comes at a poignant moment, with the team riding a historic 12-game unbeaten run in the top flight—a club record—fresh off a stunning victory over league leaders Arsenal that lifted them to 11th place.

This departure represents a major challenge for Bournemouth's ambitious project, as they must now find a successor capable of building on the exciting, attacking foundation Iraola has established on the south coast.