Andoni Iraola emerges as AC Milan’s leading candidate after Massimiliano Allegri exit

AC Milan have parted company with Massimiliano Allegri after failing to qualify for the 2026–27 UEFA Champions League, and the club is reportedly targeting Andoni Iraola as their next head coach, according to World Soccer Talk citing Sky Sports and other outlets. The development comes as the Rossoneri prepare a summer rebuild following a drop in form that cost them a place in Europe's premier club competition.

Why it matters

A managerial change at AC Milan would mark a major shift for a club that expected to compete in the Champions League. Appointing Iraola — a coach praised for promoting young players and who has been linked with strong recent work at AFC Bournemouth — would signal a reorientation of Milan's sporting project and influence transfer plans, squad selection and the club's short-term ambitions.

What World Soccer Talk says

World Soccer Talk reports that Allegri was dismissed alongside several members of the club's sporting structure after Milan missed out on the 2026–27 Champions League. The report says Zlatan Ibrahimović is expected to play a leading role in the search for a new coach and that Andoni Iraola has emerged as the leading candidate, according to Sky Sports via X (formerly Twitter).

Iraola, his stock and competing interest

The article notes Iraola has impressed during his spell at AFC Bournemouth, helping the club reach qualification for the 2026–27 UEFA Europa League. It reports he has decided to leave Bournemouth and could be available as a free agent. The story also cites teamTALK reporting that Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen have shown strong interest in the Spanish coach.

World Soccer Talk adds that Iraola's family are reportedly settled in London and that he may prefer a role based in or near the city, while being attracted to opportunities to manage in the Champions League.

What it means for AC Milan's squad and transfer plans

According to the report, Milan's inconsistent form under Allegri and limited squad depth could force a significant summer rebuild. The Rossoneri are said to need reinforcements in attack, including depth behind Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic and a proven goalscorer, with Santiago Giménez and Christopher Nkunku described as having fallen short of expectations.

If Iraola is appointed, the report suggests his reputation for developing young players could benefit Milan's emerging talents — World Soccer Talk specifically mentions Davide Bartesaghi, Francesco Camarda and Yunus Musah as players who might receive greater opportunities. The report also notes Luka Modrić's departure could open midfield minutes for Ardon Jashari or Samuele Ricci.

• Massimiliano Allegri reportedly dismissed after Milan failed to qualify for 2026–27 Champions League.
• Andoni Iraola is named as the leading candidate to replace Allegri (reported via Sky Sports).
• Zlatan Ibrahimović is reported to be involved in the search for a new head coach.
• Iraola is linked with other clubs including Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen (per teamTALK).
• Report suggests Milan may pursue an attacking rebuild and could promote younger players under a new coach.

Limitations and what remains unconfirmed

This account is drawn from a single aggregated report summarising claims from Sky Sports, teamTALK and others. The club has not been quoted directly in the supplied source metadata, and there is no formal confirmation here that Allegri's departure or Iraola's availability have been announced by AC Milan, AFC Bournemouth, or the coach himself. Key details — including whether Iraola will accept an approach, any contract terms, and the identity of other candidates — require verification from primary sources.

What happens next

If Milan move quickly to appoint a successor they will need to secure buy-in for a summer rebuild and present a sporting plan capable of persuading Iraola to relocate from London, should he be the chosen candidate. Confirmation will likely come from the club or Iraola's representatives; until then the situation should be treated as a developing story.