Newcastle handed surprise Andoni Iraola boost as betting odds unexpectedly shorten

Newcastle United have suddenly seen their betting odds to appoint Andoni Iraola shortened by the bookies.

The departing Bournemouth boss took charge of his final game at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday and earned a 1-1 draw with Manchester City, which secured European football for the Cherries and confirmed Arsenal as Premier League title winners.

Iraola has been heavily linked with Crystal Palace in recent days, with Newcastle appearing to have stuck behind Eddie Howe.

Despite a hugely disappointing season and the clamour of many fans, decision-makers at St James’ Park are keen to back their long-term boss.

Newcastle’s manager will hope to oversee a significant response next season, with his team likely to be without any form of European football.

Get the inside track on the St James’ Park dugout with real-time updates on shortlisted candidates, live betting market shifts, and key PIF boardroom decisions.

Football Insider exclusively revealed last week that Iraola is yet to make a decision on his next club, as he looks to see out the season with Bournemouth.

The Spaniard arrived on the South Coast in 2023 and has had a transformative effect, making history in each of his three seasons in charge.

Iraola’s first season saw the Cherries register more points than they ever had in the Premier League, and they would go on to break that record in his second season.

Should the 43-year-old’s side beat or draw with Nottingham Forest on Sunday, they will break it for the third consecutive season, having already achieved their highest-ever placement and European football for the first time.

Bournemouth tried everything they could to convince Iraola to stay, but he is keen for a new opportunity and it may not be too late for Newcastle to provide it.

One major bookmaker has shortened the Spaniard’s odds of being named as the next manager of the Magpies to just 1/1, while second favourite Oliver Glasner is at 6/1.

Several Premier League clubs have already made their management moves, or lack thereof, ahead of the summer.

Manchester City are set to lose Pep Guardiola, with Enzo Maresca lined up as his replacement, and Michael Carrick is expected to get the Manchester United job.

Liverpool look set to stick with Arne Slot, while Chelsea have appointed Xabi Alonso and Tottenham have handed Roberto De Zerbi a long-term deal.

Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Xabi Alonso as Manager of the Men’s Team.

The Spaniard will begin his role on July 1, 2026, having agreed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

Fulham and Palace remain the uncertainties in the league, unless Newcastle can join them with a last-minute change of heart.

“Right now there is nothing about my future in my head, I just want to celebrate and push it,” said Iraola after Tuesday’s draw. “We have Europa League, next let’s maximise our options.

“Can we take the last Champions League spot? I still don’t know where I will go but I’m in no rush, let’s finish on a high.”

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