Andoni Iraola is poised to make his managerial choice between AC Milan and Crystal Palace by Friday or Saturday, as reported by SportMediaset journalist Claudio Raimondi. The pursuit of the former Bournemouth coach is entering its final stages.
AC Milan has been leading the race for some time, with Gerry Cardinale and Zlatan Ibrahimović having already held two direct meetings with the Basque coach in London. A contract of two or three years has been prepared, and the club’s ambitions are significantly higher than those of the English club.
However, Crystal Palace has now emerged as a serious contender. Oliver Glasner’s final match in charge will be tonight in the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig.
According to the report from MilanNews.it, Iraola intends to allow Crystal Palace to formally present their offer before comparing it directly with Milan’s proposal and reaching his final decision.
The English club’s allure lies in its geographical location. Iraola’s family is well-established in England after his three years at Bournemouth, a factor that complicates Milan’s appeal despite the Rossoneri’s superior sporting profile and European aspirations.
AC Milan is acutely aware that time is a critical factor. The longer the decision-making process extends, the greater the risk that Crystal Palace’s geographical advantage will prove decisive.
