Athletic Club has officially announced the appointment of Edin Terzic as their new head coach, signing a contract that will keep him at the club until 2028. While the move was widely anticipated, the Basque club has now confirmed that Terzic will be taking over from Ernesto Valverde.
Following Valverde’s announcement in March that he would be leaving his post, considerable speculation surrounded his successor. Names such as Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth and Inigo Perez of Rayo Vallecano, both former Athletic players, were frequently mentioned. However, with the club having been aware of Valverde’s impending departure for some time internally, it appears President Jon Uriarte had already reached an agreement with Terzic.
Terzic Becomes First Foreign Manager Since 2018
Edin Terzic, who has no prior coaching experience in Spain, will lead the team on a two-year contract. This appointment marks the return of a foreign manager to Athletic Club for the first time since 2018. That previous foreign tenure, with Toto Berizzo, proved unsuccessful despite his prior achievements at Celta Vigo. Before Berizzo, Marcelo Bielsa enjoyed a highly memorable, albeit short, period in charge in Bilbao. The 43-year-old Terzic is reportedly valued for his dedication to developing young talent.
Terzic’s Coaching Background
Terzic’s coaching career includes a notable spell at Borussia Dortmund, where he secured the German Pokal in 2021. He also came close to winning the Bundesliga in 2023 and guided the team to the Champions League final in 2024, where they were ultimately defeated by Real Madrid. Terzic has also gained international experience as an assistant manager at West Ham United and Besiktas.
Athletic Club stated that Terzic will be formally presented as manager after the conclusion of the current season, with four matches remaining. This appointment signals the end of Valverde’s third tenure, during which the Basque manager recently oversaw his 500th game for the club. Valverde’s leadership brought Athletic back to the Champions League after a decade and secured their first Copa del Rey in over forty years. This season, however, saw a sense of stagnation, and Terzic is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the squad.
