Xabi Alonso has agreed to become Chelsea's new manager on a four-year contract, but Andoni Iraola was second on their shortlist.
Iraola caught the eye of Stamford Bridge bosses after doing an exceptional job at Bournemouth, leading the Cherries to sixth position in the Premier League with two matches left.
Chelsea showed an initial interest in the Spaniard alongside Crystal Palace when it was announced he would be leaving the South Coast at the end of the campaign.
It was even revealed that Iraola's preference was to stay in the Premier League, with Palace pushing hardest to land him. But clubs abroad continue to pursue the 43-year-old, and now one of Alonso's former sides are looking to poach the talented boss.
Bayer Leverkusen showing 'strong interest' in Andoni Iraola
Alonso achieved a remarkable invincible campaign with Bayer Leverkusen in 2023/24 to win the Bundesliga title, and now they're looking to hire Iraola as their next manager to replace Kasper Hjulmand.
EXC: Bayer Leverkusen and one other German club showing strong interest in Andoni Iraola. Departing #AFCB boss has held talks with #CPFC and was #CFC second choice behind Alonso.
— Alex Crook ⚽️🎙 (@alex_crook) May 16, 2026
That is according to talkSPORT's Alex Crook, who revealed that Leverkusen and one other German club are showing a "strong interest" in the Cherries tactician.
The German giants have endured a disappointing campaign by their high standards, sitting sixth in the table after finishing second behind Bayern Munich in 2024/25.
Levekusen have certainly declined since Alonso departed for Real Madrid last summer, and they clearly believe Iraola is the man who can push them closer to Munich and compete in Europe after overachieving at Bournemouth.
Iraola was keen to relocate to London
Iraola is in high demand after watching his stock skyrocket in the Premier League. For that reason, it could be hard for German clubs - or any other nation - to prise him away from England's top-flight.
Crook revealed on talkSPORT last month that the Spaniard was keen on relocating to London, and that suggests he would have perhaps taken the Chelsea job if he was offered it.
"I wonder if we’ll see a sea change here. They’ve gone down the rookie route.
Not only Rosenior, but with Maresca too – his previous experience in England was in the Championship. Iraola was a name on the lips of a lot of people connected with Chelsea at Bournemouth last night.
He’s leaving the Vitality. I’m told he likes the idea of relocating to London; he’s a fan of the city. Crystal Palace have shown interest. I understand he’s not keen on that move; he feels he can get a bigger job."
As Crook stated, the "bigger job" in mind was probably switching to Stamford Bridge, and he could have been the next manager to replace Calum McFarlane if someone of Alonso's ilk wasn't available.
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