Athletic ‘reach agreement’ with Edin Terzic to succeed Ernesto Valverde | OneFootball

Diario Vasco reports that Jn Uriarte has a pre-agreement with Edin Terzic, 43, to replace Ernesto Valverde at Athletic Club. Agreed weeks ago while Uriarte was a presidential candidate, it awaits conversion into a contract following his re-election unless either side withdraws, considered unlikely.

Such pre-agreements set term, finances and release clause, and usually include penalties if either party reneges. Terzic has already offered input on squad planning.

Uriarte initially sought to renew Valverde, but the coach declined, forcing a move into the market. Talks were held with Terzic, Roberto de Zerbi, now at Tottenham, and Mauricio Pochettino, the United States boss who would have required a post-World Cup wait.

Andoni Iraola was not contacted. On 21 March he said the approach had not happened, by which point the Terzic deal was already in place.

Athletic value Terzic’s strong character, including his decision to leave Dortmund after a Champions League final. His teams are intense, vertical and ferocious in the press, traits that fit the board’s preferred style. He also won a domestic cup.

He left in 2024 and has since turned down offers. His work with youngsters is a key appeal, having blooded Jude Bellingham, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Giovanni Reyna and Karim Adeyemi. The club intend to wait until season’s end to announce a successor, with Europe in play, and plan a formal tribute for Valverde.

Source: Diario Vasco