La Liga strugglers Valencia have named Carlos Corberan, the former West Bromwich Albion boss, as their new head coach.
To secure Corberan’s services, Valencia triggered the 41-year-old Spaniard’s release clause, reportedly worth between £3-4 million, from the Championship club. Corberan has committed to a contract with the Spanish side until the end of the 2026-27 season.
The managerial change comes after Valencia parted ways with Ruben Baraja on Monday, following a dismal run of just two wins in 17 league matches this season.
In a statement, West Bromwich Albion expressed their gratitude to Corberan, extending their best wishes for his future endeavors.
During the transition, coaches Chris Brunt, Damia Abella, and Boaz Myhill will assume caretaker responsibilities for the Baggies while the club searches for a permanent replacement.
Reacting to his appointment, Corberan described his departure from Albion as “the hardest decision of my life” in a heartfelt message shared on social media.
“There will always be a place in my heart for this special club and I hope one day I can return to thank you all for your incredible support,” he said.
Carlos Corberan, formerly Huddersfield Town’s head coach, took charge of West Bromwich Albion in October 2022. In his debut season, he guided the Baggies to a ninth-place finish, improving further last term with a fifth-place finish before a play-off semi-final defeat to Southampton.
This season, Corberan has led Albion to seventh in the Championship, narrowly outside the play-off spots on goal difference, despite managing with a 30% reduction in the playing budget.
Corberan had been linked with the recent managerial vacancy at Premier League club Southampton, but the Saints ultimately appointed Ivan Juric to succeed Russell Martin.
Now taking the reins at Valencia, Corberan faces a significant challenge. His hometown club currently sits second-bottom of La Liga, four points adrift of safety. In their last match under Ruben Baraja, Valencia managed a 2-2 draw with Alaves, lifting them off the bottom on goal difference.
Corberan’s first major test with Valencia will come on 3 January, when they host reigning champions Real Madrid in a crucial league encounter.