Athletic Club has been actively seeking a new manager as Ernesto Valverde’s contract concludes at the end of the current season. Their primary choice is Edin Terzic, and it is highly probable he will lead Los Leones starting from the 2026-27 campaign.
Terzic, who has been without a club since departing Borussia Dortmund after their 2024 Champions League final loss to Real Madrid, is the preferred candidate of Athletic president Jon Uriarte. While club legend Andoni Iraola will also be available this summer, having announced his departure from Premier League side Bournemouth, it has been indicated that now is not the right time for his return to San Mamés.
Negotiations between Athletic and Terzic’s representatives have been ongoing in recent weeks. According to reports from El Correo (via MD), an agreement has now been finalized for him to take over from Valverde in the summer. The 43-year-old is reportedly already involved in planning for the upcoming season, aiming to build a squad capable of overcoming the current season’s setbacks for Los Leones.
Terzic faces high expectations at San Mamés
Despite a potentially disappointing final season for Valverde as Athletic manager, his second tenure has been remarkably successful. He guided the team to their first Copa del Rey title in 40 years in 2024 and secured Champions League qualification in the subsequent season.
Terzic will undoubtedly have similar ambitions for his time at San Mamés, which commences in July. Fans are expected to rally behind him, hoping for a similar impact to that of previous successful foreign managers like Jupp Heynckes and Marcelo Bielsa, both of whom are fondly remembered in Bilbao.
English Translation:
Athletic Club agrees terms with Ernesto Valverde’s successor
Athletic Club has been in search of a new manager recently, following the announcement that Ernesto Valverde will be departing the club when his contract expires at the end of the current season. They have identified Edin Terzic as their top target, and it is highly anticipated that he will be the one to lead Los Leones from the 2026-27 campaign onwards.
Terzic, who has been unemployed since leaving Borussia Dortmund after their 2024 Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid, is the favored choice of Athletic president Jon Uriarte. Club icon Andoni Iraola will also become available this summer as he is set to leave Premier League side Bournemouth, but it has been made clear that now is not the opportune moment for his return to San Mamés.
Athletic has been in discussions with Terzic and his representatives over the past few weeks, and according to El Correo (via MD), an agreement has now been reached for him to take over from Valverde in the summer. The 43-year-old is already said to be involved in squad planning for the next season, as he aims to assemble the team he needs for Los Leones to rebound from the current campaign’s disappointments.
Terzic will arrive in Bilbao with significant expectations
While it may have been a disappointing final season as Athletic manager for Valverde, his second spell in charge has been fantastic. He led them to their first Copa del Rey title in 40 years in 2024, and in the following season, they qualified for the Champions League.
Terzic will have similar aspirations for his tenure at San Mamés, which will officially begin in July. The supporters are sure to offer him their backing, and they will hope for similar achievements from him as they did from previous foreign managers Jupp Heynckes and Marcelo Bielsa, both of whom are remembered very fondly in Bilbao.
