Ernesto Valverde will leave Spanish side Athletic Bilbao when his contract expires at the end of the season, ending his four-year stay in his third stint at the club.
The Spaniard first coached the club between 2003 and 2005, before returning for a second stint in 2013, where he spent another four years and left for Barcelona in 2917.
However, Valverde returned for a third stint at the Basque club following his departure from Barcelona in 2022, but will now depart at the end of this campaign after a 10-year stay across three spells.
The 62-year-old led the club to their first Copa del Rey title in 40 years during the 2023-24 season, following their penalty shootout win over Mallorca.
Valverde also guided the club to victory in the Spanish Super cup in 2015, although they lost the Copa del Rey final that year.
Speaking ahead of Bilbao’s La Liga clash against Real Betis, the former Barcelona head coach announced the decision to depart the club in the summer.
“I’m here today to announce that I won’t be Athletic’s head coach next season,” Valverde stated.
“This is a decision I’ve been mulling over for some time now, one I’ve discussed with the club. At the same time, I’d like to emphasise that we have 10 important league matches left, in which we have a lot to play for.”
Valverde was considered as a potential candidate during Premier League giants Manchester United’s search for an interim head coach back in the 2021-22 season, although his imminent departure from Bilbao could now put him in contention for the permanent role this time around.
The Spanish club have now begun their search for a replacement and have been linked with Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, who could leave the Cherries when his contract is up in the summer.
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