Fans of West Bromwich Albion have had their festive period dampened by news of Carlos Corberan’s mid-season departure.
The highly rated manager is returning to his homeland to take up the reins at struggling Valencia after a two-year spell at The Hawthorns.
Valencia offered to pay Albion the £2.8million required to release the 41-year-old manager from his contract.
West Brom, who are seventh in the Championship, announced his exit on Christmas Eve.
They wrote in a statement on X: ‘Albion have reached an agreement in principle for Carlos Corberan to depart the club to pursue a new opportunity with LaLiga side Valencia.
Carlos Corberan has swapped West Brom for Valencia after agreeing to move back to Spain
‘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.’
West Brom chairman Shilen Patel added: ‘I want to thank Carlos for all of his hard work since his arrival at the Albion at one of the most challenging times in the club’s modern era. I am grateful for his contributions and wish Carlos and his family all the best on his new journey!’
Corberan, who previously worked as a coach at Leeds United under Marcelo Bielsa before going on to manage Huddersfield Town, Olympiacos and West Brom, joins a Valencia side in 19th place in LaLiga.
The Baggies currently sit seventh in the Championship after a promising start to the season
Valencia meanwhile are in the midst of one of their worst spells in the club’s recent history
He grew up in Cheste, the Valencia region of Spain, and many of his family remain there. As a goalkeeper he played youth football for Cheste and was on Valencia’s books before opting to go into coaching at the young age of 23.
Corberan has been in demand for the work he has done at Albion under a tight financial budget. He has been on the shortlists for the likes of Southampton and Wolves and was considered by Leeds United last year.
Former European giants Valencia have just 12 points to their name after 17 league games. Former manager Ruben Baraja was sacked on Monday.
Chris Brunt, Damia Abella and Boaz Myhill are in caretaker charge of West Brom until their search for a new boss is over.
West Brom are next in action on Boxing Day when they travel to Derby County while Valencia host Real Madrid on January 3.