Key Takeaways:
- Athletic Bilbao has identified Edin Terzić as their head coach for the upcoming season
- Terzić guided Borussia Dortmund to the 2024 Champions League final and a Bundesliga second-place finish in 2022/23
- Ernesto Valverde departs after winning the Copa del Rey in 2024 and multiple European qualifications
Coaching Transition at San Mamés
Athletic Bilbao have identified Edin Terzić, former Borussia Dortmund manager, to take charge of the team from the summer. Reports in Spain indicate that club president Jon Uriarte and the incoming board settled on the German tactician to succeed Ernesto Valverde, who had previously declared on 20 March his intention to depart at the season’s end.
🚨🇩🇪 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 | Edin Terzic will become the new manager of Athletic Club. He will join them when Ernesto Valverde leaves at the end of the season, reports @deia_eus. ✅🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/8qRSa9txMp
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) April 23, 2026
A Proven Track Record at Borussia Dortmund
Terzić, aged 43, most recently led Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final in 2024, ultimately falling to Real Madrid with a 0:2 defeat. His tenure at the German side included a dramatic Bundesliga campaign in 2022/23, where Dortmund finished runners-up to Bayern Munich, pushing the title race to the last round of fixtures, and losing only on goal difference. In addition to this, Terzić secured a German Cup triumph and reached the cup final again in 2024 before exiting the club during the same summer.
| Season | Competition | Achievement | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022/23 | Bundesliga | 2nd Place | Borussia Dortmund |
| 2023/24 | Champions League | Finalist | Borussia Dortmund |
| 2023/24 | German Cup | Finalist | Borussia Dortmund |
Valverde’s Legacy at Athletic Club
Upon Ernesto Valverde’s announcement of his departure, speculation initially focused on Andoni Iraola as his likely successor, particularly as Iraola’s contract with Bournemouth was set to expire without renewal. However, attention soon shifted to Terzić, who now stands poised to take the helm at San Mamés.
Valverde leaves behind an impressive legacy at Athletic Bilbao. Notably, he guided the team to Copa del Rey glory on 6 April 2024 and maintained consistent qualifications for both the Europa League and Champions League during his tenure.
