West Brom: Carlos Corberan leaves The Hawthorns to take over at Valencia

Carlos Corberan has left his job at West Brom to take over as the new head coach of Valencia.

The LaLiga club confirmed the news having met the release clause in Corberan's contract.

"Carlos Corberan becomes the new Valencia CF coach until 2027," Valencia said in a statement on Tuesday.

"The club has informed West Bromwich Albion FC of the execution of the exit option stipulated in his contract to leave the English club."

In a post on social media, former Valencia youth team player Corberan said leaving West Brom was the "hardest" decision of his life.

"I cannot begin to explain how I feel about West Bromwich Albion, its fans and everyone associated with the club," Corberan wrote.

"In my more than two years here I have only felt LOVE from this community and the decision to leave has been the hardest of my life.

"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."

Former Huddersfield boss Corberan - who had worked under Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds - took over at The Hawthorns in October 2022, replacing Steve Bruce after he was sacked a fortnight earlier.

In his first full season in charge, 2023/24, the Spaniard guided the Baggies to the Sky Bet Championship play-offs, though they were beaten by eventual winners Southampton in the semi-finals.

They currently sit seventh in the second tier, outside the play-off places on goal difference, having lost only one of the last 14 games, and travel to Pride Park to take on Derby on Boxing Day, live on Livesport VIP Football.

Chris Brunt, Damia Abella and Boaz Myhill will oversee first-team duties until further notice, the Championship club confirmed.

West Brom chairman Shilen Patel paid tribute to Corberan as he departed.

"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," Patel wrote on social media.

"I am grateful for his contributions and wish Carlos and his family all the best on his new journey!"

Valencia are second-bottom in LaLiga, having won just two league games, which led to the sacking of former Spain international Ruben Baraja.