Did Iraola jump the gun before realising European chances?

"They had a formal offer in December," he said. "The seasons I've been here, I've been so satisfied that I almost don't want to risk it.

"I feel full of energy. It isn't that I am exhausted, I am more motivated to finish this season, but sometimes you have to choose well the moment to leave a place."

As of 31 December 2025, around the time when the two parties held talks, Bournemouth were 15th in the table on 23 points, five points off the Premier League's standard European spots.

As of 14 April 2026, the day when Iraola announced he would be leaving, the Cherries were 11th in the table on 45 points, just two points off the Premier League's usual allotted European places.

So, with European football seemingly always within touching distance, some might be wondering why Iraola chose this season to step away from a project he has nurtured.

BBC Sport revealed that his family's desire to return to Spain was factored into his decision, amid talk of a return to former club Athletic Bilbao.

However, the La Liga side have since appointed a new head coach in Edin Terzic and Bournemouth have unveiled Marco Rose as their new boss for the 2026-27 campaign.

Do you feel Iraola might have jumped the gun a little bit? Had he known Europe was so likely, would he have left? Or was this always going to be a natural next step in the Spaniard's managerial career?

Let us know your thoughts here