Newcastle Should Consider Hiring Andoni Iraola

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has to be under pressure at St James’ Park, and PIF should be doing everything they can to bring Andoni Iraola to the club.

Newcastle’s latest defeat saw them beaten at the hands of their North East rivals Sunderland, with Nick Woltemade heading into his own net to separate the sides. That means the Magpies sit in 12th position in the Premier League table, with their away form a particular concern, winning just once on the road this season.

Newcastle scraped Champions League qualification last term on the final day of the campaign, but they’ve taken a step back with their progress this season. Howe’s side invested significantly in the summer transfer window to strengthen the squad, so the pressure has to be mounting on the manager after a disappointing few months.

Newcastle Must Hire Andoni Iraola to Replace Eddie Howe

After significant investment, Newcastle have to be competing for European places. Although pressure on Howe might feel a little premature, there has been lots of media speculation surrounding the future of Thomas Frank at Tottenham Hotspur, and the Danish manager has his side higher than Newcastle, despite finishing 17th last term.

The same pressure doesn’t appear to be on Howe, but if their form on the road continues, Newcastle will have to consider making a decision.

Iraola has done a superb job, turning Bournemouth from a struggling side to one that has a chance of competing in the top half. The Cherries finished ninth last season, and although they’ve dropped off this term, they sold three of their starting back four, and their recruitment is heavily focused on signing young talent, meaning it’s never going to be instant success.

Despite that, Iraola has made Bournemouth a competitive side, and his play style could be suited to the Magpies. The Mirror have tipped Iraola as a potential replacement for Howe, with his high-energy style and blending of young talent likely attractive to Newcastle.

Iraola Could be Keen on Newcastle Move

Although Iraola appears happy at Bournemouth, there could come a time when their transfer strategy frustrates him. Their recruitment policy is to sign young players, develop, and sell, and it becomes difficult for them to progress as they are constantly losing top-quality stars.

Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, and Illya Zabarnyi are recent examples, while Antoine Semenyo, who described Iraola as ‘unbelievable’, could be on his way out the door due to having a release clause. Newcastle are less inclined to sell their best players, excluding Alexander Isak after Liverpool‘s ridiculous offer, and that could be an attraction for Iraola.