caughtoffside
·18 March 2025
Report: Contact made as Daniel Levy identifies Premier League manager as top target to replace Ange Postecoglou

caughtoffside
·18 March 2025
Tottenham Hotspur’s poor season has placed Ange Postecoglou under increasing scrutiny, with reports suggesting that the club is already exploring potential successors.
Despite early promise, Spurs find themselves sitting in 14th place in the Premier League, having crashed out of both domestic cup competitions.
Their recent 2-0 defeat to Fulham marked their 15th league loss of the campaign, deepening concerns over the Australian’s tenure.
While Tottenham’s Europa League run offers a glimmer of hope—having advanced to the quarter-finals after edging out AZ Alkmaar 3-2 on aggregate—Postecoglou’s future remains uncertain.
Reports indicate that the club hierarchy acknowledges the role injuries have played in their struggles, but failure to secure European silverware could spell the end of his time in North London.
Among the managers being considered, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola has emerged as chairman Daniel Levy’s top choice to take over if Postecoglou is dismissed at the end of the campaign.
That is according to GiveMeSport, who claim that Levy is keen on bringing Iraola to North London and that contact has already been made.
Reports suggest that Iraola has a release clause exceeding £5 million, meaning Tottenham could secure his services with a straightforward financial move.
While Bournemouth are keen to offer him a contract extension, they are worried Spurs’ interest may prove too tempting to ignore.
Iraola, who has 18 months left on his current Bournemouth contract, has garnered widespread recognition for his work with the Cherries.
Under his guidance, the Cherries have enjoyed a strong season, currently sitting 10th in the Premier League—just five points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea. His side remains in the race for European football, further boosting his managerial reputation.
The Spanish coach has built an impressive resume, having previously managed AEK Larnaca, Mirandés, and Rayo Vallecano. Notably, he led Rayo Vallecano to a Copa del Rey semi-final and secured their promotion to La Liga, underscoring his ability to elevate teams beyond expectations.
Since arriving in the Premier League in 2023, Iraola has continued to make waves. He guided Bournemouth to their highest-ever Premier League points tally and orchestrated a stunning victory over Manchester City, ending their 32-game unbeaten run.
Andoni Iraola earmarked as Daniel Levy’s top target. (Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)
With Postecoglou’s position increasingly precarious, Tottenham’s Europa League campaign represents his final chance to salvage the season. Lifting the trophy would not only secure silverware but also guarantee a place in next season’s Champions League—an outcome that could strengthen his case to remain at the helm.
However, should Spurs falter in their European pursuit, Levy could act decisively. With Iraola’s stock rising and Tottenham’s need for a turnaround becoming ever more pressing, a managerial change could be on the horizon.
For now, all eyes are on Postecoglou and whether he can steer Spurs to continental glory. But behind the scenes, preparations for a new era may already be underway.