Valencia names West Brom’s Corberan as their new manager

La Liga’s embattled giants Valencia have turned to former West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan in hopes of revitalizing their faltering campaign.

In a bold move, Valencia has activated a release clause in Corberan’s contract, reportedly ranging from £3-4 million, thus securing the services of the 41-year-old tactician from the Championship side, Albion.

The new boss, whose contract runs until the conclusion of the 2026-27 season, arrives after Valencia’s board swiftly dismissed Ruben Baraja following a dismal run of just two wins from an astonishing 17 league matches this term.

In an official statement, Albion expressed their gratitude, saying Corberan was leaving “with the club’s gratitude and best wishes.” A testament to the impact he has made at the club.

Stepping into the interim gap for Albion are coaches Chris Brunt, Damia Abella, and Boaz Myhill as the Baggies embark on the critical task of finding their next permanent head coach.

Upon the announcement of his new adventure with Valencia, Corberan reflected on the emotional toll of his departure on social media, stating that the choice to part ways with Albion was “the hardest of my life.”

He added, “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.”

Corberan, who carved out a name for himself as head coach of Huddersfield Town before his stint at Albion, took the reins at the Baggies in October 2022. Under his stewardship, Albion secured an impressive ninth-place finish in his debut season, followed by a commendable fifth-place showing as they battled fiercely in the play-off semi-finals against Southampton last term.

This season, he has piloted Albion to the brink of the play-offs, currently sitting just outside in seventh place, despite revealing the harsh reality of a 30% budget cut to his squad.

Speculation had swirled around his potential move to Southampton, where he was linked to their managerial vacancy, but that role ultimately went to Ivan Juric, a reflection of the highly competitive nature of the managerial market.

For Corberan, this new chapter is particularly poignant, as he returns to his hometown club Valencia, which is currently trapped in the relegation zone, a daunting four points shy of safety in La Liga.

In Baraja’s last appearance in charge, the team battled to a 2-2 draw against Alaves, a result that spared them the ignominy of finishing at the bottom of the table, albeit only temporarily.

Next up for Corberan and Valencia is a formidable challenge against the reigning champions, Real Madrid, on January 3. A clash that could define the immediate future of both the club and its new manager.