Andoni Iraola's dream of returning to Athletic Club as head coach has been dashed, with the Basque giants appointing Edin Terzic to lead the first team next season. The former Borussia Dortmund boss signed a two-year deal to replace the outgoing Ernesto Valverde, closing the door on a potential homecoming for the 43-year-old.

Iraola, who spent an impressive 12 years as a player at Athletic, had been heavily linked with the role after announcing in April that he would leave Bournemouth at the end of the season. But the Spaniard remained tight-lipped about his future, telling the BBC: "I don't know if I'm going to coach next season. I have no rush to know it."

Now, with Athletic no longer an option, the Premier League looks like the most likely destination for Iraola. Several top-flight clubs are circling, eager to secure his services. Manchester United and Chelsea are both on the hunt for new managers after parting ways with Ruben Amorim and Liam Rosenior respectively. Iraola is reportedly considered United's top alternative to interim boss Michael Carrick, while he's also a favorite to take over at Stamford Bridge—the Blues' sixth senior manager since Clearlake Capital's takeover in 2022.

Crystal Palace, too, have Iraola on their shortlist as Oliver Glasner prepares to leave Selhurst Park. Landing the Basque native would be a major coup for the Eagles. Meanwhile, speculation linking him to Liverpool, Newcastle, or Spurs has cooled, with Arne Slot, Eddie Howe, and Roberto De Zerbi all locked in for the foreseeable future.

As the summer transfer window heats up, Iraola's next move promises to be one of the most intriguing storylines in the managerial market.