Alguacil, 55, spent seven years in charge at Anoeta, leading Sociedad to Copa del Rey glory in 2020 — the club's first trophy in 34 years — and taking them from a 15th-placed finish to the last 16 of both the Champions League and Europa League during his tenure.
His attacking style and one of LaLiga's meanest defences drew praise from some of the game's leading coaches, including Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho, Paris Saint-Germain's Luis Enrique and Atletico Madrid's Diego Simeone, with Luis Enrique previously declaring that Sociedad played the best football in Spain.
Spurs explored a move for Alguacil in May 2025 after he left Anoeta, only to appoint Thomas Frank instead before enduring their worst-ever Premier League campaign, narrowly avoiding relegation. Bayer Leverkusen also held an interest around that time, viewing him as a potential successor to Xabi Alonso, while Sevilla and Porto made checks on the Spaniard too.
Bournemouth's interest ran deeper and lasted longer. According to a report from Olympiacos Roundtable, the Cherries kept tabs on Alguacil — who also spent eight years at Real Sociedad as a player in the 1990s after progressing through the academy — right up until last summer, having identified him as their preferred replacement for Andoni Iraola once the Spaniard confirmed his departure in April.
Alguacil remains undefeated in six meetings with Iraola, who went on to take charge at Liverpool, winning five of those encounters. Ultimately, though, the timing did not work out, and Bournemouth turned instead to Marco Rose.
Part of the appeal for both English clubs was Alguacil's track record developing young talent, having helped shape the careers of Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Mikel Oyarzabal, Alexander Isak and Robin Le Normand during his time in the Basque Country.
Alguacil had been out of work since leaving Saudi Arabian side Al-Shabab in February, but has now returned to management at Olympiacos, stepping in for the departed Jose Luis Mendilibar. His overall record at Sociedad — 153 wins from 330 matches — left a lasting impression on Mourinho, who admitted he struggled to find a weakness in Alguacil's side when facing them as Roma manager.