Andoni Iraola is being linked with a potential move away from the conversations he’s been having with AC Milan, with recent reporting suggesting his next steps could involve either Liverpool or Bayer Leverkusen.
According to Sky Sports News, Iraola’s interest has reportedly turned toward two high-profile options as talks with AC Milan have not progressed. The update frames this as a major development because it indicates that the Manchester City of coaching?—no, that’s incorrect; instead, it indicates a shift in managerial recruitment pathways for multiple elite clubs.
At the center of the report is the idea that AC Milan and Iraola have not reached the level of agreement needed to move forward. While the details of why the negotiations have stalled are not fully explained in the brief headline, the key point is clear: negotiations have slowed or stopped, and Iraola has become open to alternatives.
From there, the spotlight moves to Liverpool. The club has long been associated with actively seeking the right coaching identity to match its ambitions, and any link to a rising manager like Iraola suggests that Liverpool could be exploring candidates who bring a modern tactical approach and a reputation for developing strong team performances.
The other club mentioned is Bayer Leverkusen. Leverkusen is often characterized by a distinct sporting project, a strong emphasis on tactical structure, and a squad built to compete at a high level across domestic and European stages. If Iraola were to consider Leverkusen, it would align with the kind of environment in which a manager can imprint a clear playing style while competing consistently.
The report implies a decision process that is now more urgent or at least more decisive. With AC Milan talks failing to move forward, Iraola’s attention appears to be split between two clubs rather than being anchored to a single negotiation track. That can matter for timing in the managerial market, where clubs often move quickly once they feel an appointment is unlikely to be finalized.
It is also notable that this information comes from a widely followed football news outlet, meaning it likely reflects either confirmed internal understanding or at least credible intelligence passed through the sport’s information networks. In coaching searches, even partial reporting can influence other clubs’ strategies, since rivals may adjust their own plans depending on whether a top target is likely to become available.
For AC Milan, a stalled negotiation with a candidate like Iraola can have wider implications. If the club had been planning for his appointment, the lack of progress may force Milan to broaden their search and consider other options. That often includes re-checking terms, exploring alternative candidates with overlapping profiles, and reassessing timelines to ensure the team’s preparations are not disrupted.
For Iraola personally, the report paints a picture of a coach who is actively managing his future rather than waiting indefinitely. Being linked with Liverpool or Leverkusen suggests that he is still in demand and could be positioned to take the next step at a major club environment.
The competitive nature of elite football makes managerial moves especially consequential: a head coach appointment can influence recruitment targets, squad roles, tactical preparations, and the broader culture of a club. With this report indicating that Iraola is eyeing two concrete destinations, the coaching market narrative becomes more dynamic.
In summary, Sky Sports News reports that Andoni Iraola’s talks with AC Milan are not progressing, and as a result, he is said to be interested in joining either Liverpool or Bayer Leverkusen. The development signals a potential shift in managerial recruitment and suggests that AC Milan may need to move faster or pivot if they want to secure a new coach, while Liverpool and Leverkusen could be among the frontrunners for a candidate with a rising profile. According to SkySportsNews
Goals Side: 🚨🚨| BREAKING: Andoni Iraola is interested in joining either Liverpool or Bayer Leverkusen, his talks with AC Milan aren’t progressing. [@SkySportsNews]. #breaking
— @goalsside May 1, 2026
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