Valencia appoint West Brom boss as head coach
Update on Christmas Day
We can confirm that La Liga strugglers Valencia have appointed West Bromwich Albion boss Carlos Corberan as their new head coach.
Valencia paid a release clause, believed to be between three and four million to allow him to leave Championship club Albion.
Read below for an idea on how this story developed and why they were interested in the first place.
Will Carlos Corberán be leaving the Midlands for Spain?
Valencia, struggling in La Liga, have officially approached West Bromwich Albion head coach Carlos Corberán
While discussions between the clubs are ongoing, no agreement has yet been reached.
The Spanish club are reportedly ready to activate the 41-year-old's release clause at Albion, believed to be in the region of £3-4 million.
This follows Valencia’s decision to part ways with head coach Rubén Baraja on Monday after a dismal run of just two wins in 17 league matches.
Corberán, who previously managed Huddersfield Town, took charge of West Brom in October 2022, leading them to ninth place in his debut season and fifth last term, narrowly missing promotion after a play-off semi-final defeat to Southampton. Despite budget cuts of around 30%, he has guided Albion to seventh place this season, just outside the play-off positions on goals scored.
The Spaniard was recently linked to Southampton’s managerial vacancy in the Premier League, but the Saints opted for Ivan Jurić following Russell Martin’s dismissal.
For Corberán, a move to Valencia would mean a return to his hometown club, who are currently in dire straits, sitting second-bottom of La Liga and four points from safety.
Baraja’s final match in charge ended in a 2-2 draw against Alavés on Sunday, lifting Valencia off the foot of the table on goal difference.
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Their next challenge is a daunting one, as they face reigning champions Real Madrid on 3 January. Between now and the end of the season, this iconic Spanish side will be hoping to avoid a serious battle against what would be a disqstrous relegation.
West Brom fans respond to these rumours
One West Brom season ticket holder told us: ""I’ve always been a big admirer of Carlos Corberán. He’s done an incredible job with our limited squad and resources.
"As fans, all we really want is for the club to show some intent and back him properly at some stage. He’s clearly got the talent to take us forward, but he needs the resources to make it happen. The worry for us is that while he’s working wonders here, other clubs are bound to take notice and start circling."
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