Former Leeds United managerial target Andoni Iraola has agreed to take over at Almeria.
That is according to Diario del Almeria, who report Iraola has given ‘his yes’ to the La Liga outfit in the event interest from Celtic, Marseille and Leeds does not materialise into a firm approach.
It emerged last month that Iraola would not sign a new contract at Rayo Vallecano and as such, leave the club this summer after three seasons in charge.
The 40-year-old was targeted by Leeds in February to replace Jesse Marsch but the release clause in his deal saw him remain at Vallecano.
Despite interest from across Europe, it now appears Iraola is set to remain in Spain with Almeria, who narrowly avoided relegation from La Liga in the final day, having been convinced by the club’s Economic project.
Iraola dreams of PL
Despite agreeing to become the new manager of Almeria, Iraola admitted last month it is his dream to one day manage in the Premier League.
He said: “I think that, right now, the Premier League is probably the top league, because in the end it’s about budget, about money, and right now they are by far the richest league.
“But I don’t know if later I will have the chance I want [to manage there].”
After Leeds’ failed approach in February, it also emerged that San Francisco 49ers Enterprises would’ve targeted him as the club’s new manager had they stayed in the Premier League.
However, by taking on a new project at Almeria, Iraola will be able to build up his credentials as a manager even more, given his career is still very much in its infancy.
A positive spell there would undoubtedly put Premier League clubs on alert and if Leeds are able to get back there in the next year, who knows what could happen.
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