Some managers have their pick of the biggest jobs in English football.
And then they make a decision that surprises everyone.
Andoni Iraola appears to have made his choice.
And it’s not the one most people expected.
Iraola closing in on Crystal Palace appointment
According to the BBC, Andoni Iraola is nearing an agreement to become Crystal Palace’s new manager, with the 43-year-old Basque coach understood to prefer the Selhurst Park project over the instability that currently surrounds Chelsea.
Crystal Palace are preparing for life after Oliver Glasner, whose departure at the end of the season was confirmed months ago.
Iraola has been identified as the primary target, and everything points toward him choosing south London over the offers elsewhere.
The logic isn’t as surprising as it first appears.
Chelsea sit ninth in the Premier League, in danger of not qualifying for European football, next season.
Crystal Palace, by contrast, offer stability, a clear project, and a fanbase galvanised by last season’s FA Cup triumph — their first piece of silverware in the club’s history.
The Eagles are also in the Conference League final, handing Iraola the European stage he’s reportedly seeking for his next challenge.
That factor could prove decisive.
Reports suggest Palace have already tabled a lucrative offer, with the deal hinging in part on whether they secure European football for next season.
Athletic Bilbao is no longer an option after Edin Terzic was confirmed as their new head coach.
But Iraola’s direction of travel is pointing toward Selhurst Park.
It would be one of the most unexpected yet quietly brilliant appointments of the summer.
And it appears to be getting closer by the day.
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