Valencia have confirmed the appointment of Carlos Corberán as their head coach on a contract to 2027 after paying his release clause of about £3m to West Bromwich Albion. The Spanish club made an approach on Tuesday after sacking Rubén Baraja.

West Brom said Corberán was departing “with the club’s gratitude and best wishes” after just over two years in charge and that Chris Brunt, Damià Abella and Boaz Myhill would oversee the first team while a replacement is sought.

Corberán wrote on X in the early hours of Christmas Day that “the decision to leave has been the hardest of my life. There will always be a special place in my heart for this special club and I hope one day I can return to thank you all for your incredible support.”

Valencia are second-bottom of La Liga after two wins in 17 league matches and have an emotional as well as a sporting attraction for Corberán. He was born about 20 miles from the city and played in Valencia’s academy and for their B team.

Corberán has been at West Brom, who are seventh in the Championship, since October 2022. He has previously been the head coach at clubs including Huddersfield and, briefly, Olympiakos and worked as an assistant to Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds.

Valencia qualified for the Champions League by finishing fourth in 2019 but have since not come higher than ninth and were involved in another relegation battle two seasons ago.