Valencia, Spain — In a significant move to enhance their chances of survival in La Liga, struggling Valencia has appointed Carlos Corberan, the former manager of West Bromwich Albion, as their new head coach until June 2027.

The decision follows the departure of Rubén Baraja, who was let go after Valencia suffered yet another defeat in their league campaign, leaving them entrenched in the relegation zone. This latest setback has ignited fresh protests against the club’s Singaporean owner, Peter Lim.

An official statement from Valencia confirmed Corberan’s appointment early Wednesday, noting that a buy-out clause in his contract with West Brom had been activated. Although no specific figures were disclosed, reports suggest that the compensation for Corberan is approximately $3 million.

Corberan, who once played for the Valencia youth team, previously led West Brom to seventh place in England’s second-tier Championship. His coaching resume also includes a brief stint with Olympiakos in Greece, along with experience managing Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, in addition to his first managerial role with Doxa Katokopias in Cyprus.

West Brom expressed their gratitude and best wishes to the 41-year-old Corberan as he returns to Spain after a two-year tenure at their club. In the interim, first-team responsibilities at West Brom will be handled by Chris Brunt, Damia Abella, and Boaz Myhill until a new head coach is appointed.

Valencia’s next La Liga match will take place at home against Real Madrid on January 3, a game that was postponed due to deadly flooding in the region last October. The club has not experienced a victory in their last four matches, heightening the urgency for Corberan to implement positive changes.

Corberan took to social media platform X, sharing that leaving West Brom was an extremely challenging decision for him. He expressed his heartfelt sentiments towards the club, stating, “There will ALWAYS be a place in my heart for this special club and I hope one day I can return to thank you all for your incredible support.”