News Focus
- Edin Terzic signs for Athletic Club on deal until 2028
- He replaces Ernesto Valverde following the Basque coach’s third spell
- Former Borussia Dortmund boss is first foreign manager at club since 2018
- Terzic led Dortmund to 2024 Champions League final
Athletic Club have officially named Edin Terzic as their new head coach. The German has agreed a contract that runs until 2028. He will take charge once the current season ends.
The Basque side announced the news on Monday. Terzic succeeds Ernesto Valverde, who revealed in March that he would step down. Valverde departs following his third spell in charge at the club.
The 43-year-old becomes the first non-Spanish manager at Athletic since 2018. Club president Jon Uriarte moved quickly to secure his signature. Reports suggest the deal was agreed several weeks ago.
Terzic brings impressive credentials from the Bundesliga. He lifted the German Cup with Dortmund in 2021. Last year, he led the club to the Champions League final, where they lost to Real Madrid.
The coach also has experience in England and Turkey. He worked as an assistant manager at West Ham United and Besiktas. However, this marks his first role in Spanish football.
Valverde leaves big shoes to fill. He guided Athletic back to the Champions League after ten years away. He also ended their long wait for silverware by winning the Copa del Rey.
The team has four matches left this season. Terzic will meet the squad and supporters once the campaign finishes. He faces the task of refreshing a side that had grown tired under the previous regime.
Other candidates were considered for the post. Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola and Rayo Vallecano’s Inigo Perez were both linked with the vacancy. Both are former Athletic players.