Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is already considering a managerial change as speculation intensifies around the future of Ange Postecoglou. According to sources at GIVEMESPORT, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola has initially emerged as Levy’s preferred candidate to take charge at Hotspur Way should Postecoglou be dismissed at the end of the season.
While Spurs showed their support for Postecoglou during the winter transfer window by securing multiple reinforcements—including Mathys Tel, who arrived on an initial loan from Bayern Munich with a £45 million option to buy—they have failed to climb the Premier League table. Additional signings such as Antonin Kinsky and Kevin Danso were also brought in mid-season to strengthen the squad, but Tottenham remains in the bottom half of the league.
Tensions have been mounting in North London, with frustration boiling over after a disappointing defeat to Fulham last weekend. Postecoglou was caught in a heated exchange with fans, further fueling speculation that his tenure could be cut short if results do not improve. Levy, unwilling to let Spurs drift further, has identified Iraola as his top managerial target and has already made initial contact with the Bournemouth boss, despite the Cherries’ efforts to keep him at the club with an improved contract offer.
Iraola Open to Tottenham Switch Despite Bournemouth’s Attempts to Retain Him
Reports indicate that Iraola is open to the idea of joining Spurs, and some figures within the club’s hierarchy believe that he could be convinced to leave Bournemouth for a new challenge in London. However, Tottenham’s pursuit is not without resistance. Bournemouth owner Bill Foley is determined to keep Iraola at the helm and plans to meet with him face-to-face to discuss his long-term vision for the club. As first revealed on GMS’s Market Madness podcast, Bournemouth is prepared to offer Iraola a more lucrative contract to prevent Tottenham from luring him away.
Despite these efforts, Tottenham retains a significant advantage in their pursuit of Iraola due to a £5 million release clause in his current contract. Should the Spaniard reject Bournemouth’s improved terms, Spurs could trigger the clause and force his departure from the Vitality Stadium.
Since taking charge of Bournemouth in June 2023, Iraola has impressed many, including Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who described his work as “incredible.” His team remains in the mix for European qualification and FA Cup success, despite suffering a recent Premier League setback against Brentford. His ability to get the best out of Bournemouth’s squad has made him an attractive candidate for Spurs, who are in desperate need of stability and a clear tactical identity.
Other Managerial Contenders & The Future of Postecoglou
While Iraola is the frontrunner, Tottenham has also shortlisted other managers as contingency options. GMS sources indicate that Fulham’s Marco Silva and Brentford’s Thomas Frank are among the alternatives under consideration, with both managers having release clauses that could be triggered if Tottenham chooses to pursue them. However, any final decision regarding Postecoglou’s future will only be made at the end of the season.
Despite the growing speculation, Postecoglou continues to fight for his job, arguing that Tottenham’s struggles have largely been due to an injury crisis that has sidelined several key players. The club’s leadership acknowledges the significant impact of these absences, but that does not guarantee Postecoglou’s position beyond the summer.
For the Australian manager to retain his role, he must secure either Europa League success or at least qualification for a European competition next season. A strong finish to the campaign is now deemed essential if he is to convince the Tottenham board that he remains the right man to lead the club forward.
What Lies Ahead for Tottenham?
With the season nearing its climax, all eyes will be on Tottenham’s performance in both domestic and European competitions. If results fail to improve, Levy appears ready to make a managerial change—with Iraola at the top of his wish list. However, the Spaniard’s future remains uncertain, as Bournemouth is determined to hold onto him.
Should Postecoglou manage to turn things around, he could still remain in charge, but failure to deliver European football or a major trophy would likely seal his fate. Daniel Levy’s next move could shape the future of Tottenham Hotspur, with Iraola potentially waiting in the wings to take over.
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