Spanish giants Valencia announced on Christmas Day the appointment of Carlos Corberán as their new head coach on a contract running until June 2027.

The struggling LaLiga side dismissed former manager Rubén Baraja on Monday following a dismal run of just 12 points from their opening 17 matches. They quickly turned to Corberán, a former Valencia youth player, who has garnered significant acclaim for his achievements with West Bromwich Albion in the Championship.

West Brom confirmed Corberán’s departure after agreeing compensation reported to be around £2.49 million on Christmas Eve. Valencia formally unveiled their new manager in the early hours of Christmas Day.

A statement released on Valencia’s official website read:

“Carlos Corberán has been appointed as coach of Valencia CF, signing a contract through to 2027. A buy-out option in his contract with West Bromwich Albion was exercised to facilitate his move.”

Corberán joined West Brom in October 2022 and successfully guided the club from the Championship relegation zone to a top-10 finish. Although they narrowly missed promotion after a play-off semi-final defeat to Southampton last season, he left a strong foundation. This season, West Brom have continued their positive trajectory and currently sit in seventh place, narrowly outside the play-off positions on goal difference.

West Brom released their own statement late on Christmas Eve, acknowledging Corberán’s departure and expressing gratitude for his contributions. The statement read:

“Albion have reached an agreement in principle for Carlos Corberán to depart the club to pursue a new opportunity with La Liga side Valencia.

“The 41-year-old is set to return to his homeland with the club’s gratitude and best wishes following a two-year tenure at The Hawthorns. Chris Brunt, Damià Abella, and Boaz Myhill will oversee first-team duties until further notice. Sporting Director Andrew Nestor is leading Albion’s search for a new head coach. The club will make no further comment at this time.”

West Brom chairman Shilen Patel also shared his sentiments on social media platform X, stating:

“I want to thank Carlos for all of his hard work since his arrival at Albion during one of the most challenging periods in the club’s modern era.

“I am grateful for his contributions and wish Carlos and his family all the best in this new chapter of their journey!”

With Corberán’s departure, interim management duties will be handled by Chris Brunt, Damià Abella, and Boaz Myhill, as confirmed by the Championship side. The club has yet to announce a timeline for appointing a permanent replacement.

Valencia supporters will hope Corberán’s successful tenure at West Brom signals a turnaround in fortunes for their club, which currently languishes in the lower reaches of LaLiga. Meanwhile, Albion will look to build on their strong start to the season as they seek a new leader to continue the progress made under Corberán’s stewardship.