West Bromwich Albion have confirmed that Carlos Corberan has left the club to become the new manager of Valencia.
As soon as the La Liga outfit made the decision to sack Ruben Baraja earlier this week, speculation emerged regarding an approach for Corberan.
The Spaniard's release clause - said to be in the region of £2.8m - gave Valencia a clear pathway to appointing the 41-year-old if he was identified as their preferred candidate.
That enabled Los Ches to wrap up a deal in quick time, both West Brom and Corberan confirming the development late on Christmas Eve and into the early hours of Christmas Day.
Albion have reached an agreement in principle for Carlos Corberán to depart the club to pursue a new opportunity with La Liga side Valencia.
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) December 24, 2024
The 41-year-old is set to return to his homeland with our gratitude and best wishes following a two-year tenure at The Hawthorns.
What did Corberan have to say?
Corberan was quick to show his affection for West Brom and their supporters having taken charge of 107 matches since his arrival in October 2022.
He will be reuniting with Valencia having represented the club at academy and 'B' team level.
Thanks @WBA pic.twitter.com/APpOIYcYYW
— Carlos Corberán (@CarlosCorberan) December 25, 2024
The scenario in front of both clubs
Valencia are now enjoying a short Christmas break before Corberan begins his reign with a mammoth showdown against Real Madrid on January 3.
With a match in hand, Valencia sit four points adrift of safety in the La Liga table, not helped by a recent four-game winless streak.
As for West Brom, they begin the search for a new head coach while currently occupying seventh position in the Championship table.
Whoever succeeds Corberan will be taking charge of a team that has lost just three of their 22 matches in the second tier of English football during 2024-25.
Darren Plant
