Álex Jiménez opens up on Iraola future and Real Madrid dream

Bournemouth defender Álex Jiménez has acknowledged the possibility that Andoni Iraola could leave the club this summer, while also admitting that a future return to Real Madrid remains a personal dream.

The 20-year-old Spaniard was speaking in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, where he was asked both about Iraola’s contract situation and his own long-term ambitions. With Iraola’s current deal set to expire at the end of the season, uncertainty remains over whether Bournemouth will be able to keep hold of the head coach who has reshaped the club’s identity.

Iraola has overseen a remarkable transformation at the Vitality Stadium over the past two years. Bournemouth have evolved from a side battling to survive into one of the Premier League’s most intense and difficult opponents, earning a reputation for unsettling bigger clubs.

The 43-year-old guided the Cherries to their highest-ever Premier League points total in his first season and has kept them competitive this term despite losing key forward Antoine Semenyo in January. Bournemouth currently sit 11th and remain firmly in the conversation for European qualification.

Jiménez, who has worked closely with Iraola since arriving, made it clear how highly he regards his manager.

“He’s a really great guy, I’m very fond of him, and I’m delighted to work with him,” Jiménez said. “I don’t know what he thinks about it, but it’s possible. His contract ends this season, and ultimately, it’s his decision.”

While there has been no confirmation that Iraola intends to move on, interest from larger clubs is widely expected if he does not extend his stay.

Jiménez himself has enjoyed a strong season since joining Bournemouth on loan from AC Milan last summer. The deal includes an option to make the move permanent, and reports from Italy suggest the club are keen to resolve his future sooner rather than later.

Having followed Bournemouth’s squad development closely this season, Jiménez’s resurgence stands out. After struggling for minutes at AC Milan following his move from Real Madrid’s youth system, the defender has found regular football and confidence under Iraola.

His performances have helped him re-establish momentum at senior level, something that had stalled during his time in Italy.

However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions about whether Bournemouth will trigger the purchase option. Much will depend on finances, squad planning and Iraola’s own future.

Despite his focus on Bournemouth, Jiménez admitted that Real Madrid still occupies a special place in his ambitions. Like many players who came through the club’s academy, a return to the Bernabéu remains the ultimate goal.

“Right now, I’m focused on Bournemouth this season,” he said. “But going back would be a dream come true because I grew up there and it’s the place where I became who I am today.”

For now, those ambitions are firmly on hold. Jiménez’s priority is continuing his progress in the Premier League and making the most of the opportunity he has been given.

Bournemouth face a pivotal summer. Securing Iraola’s future would provide stability, while resolving Jiménez’s situation could be part of a broader push to retain the core of a competitive squad.

If Iraola departs, Bournemouth may need to act quickly to protect the progress made over the past two seasons. For Jiménez, strong performances between now and the end of the campaign could determine whether his immediate future lies on the south coast or elsewhere.

Should Bournemouth prioritise tying Iraola down, even if it means reshaping their summer plans?