Athletic Club have confirmed the appointment of Edin Terzić as their new head coach, with the former Borussia Dortmund manager set to take charge this summer. According to the club's official announcement, Terzić has signed a contract that will run until June 2028. He will succeed Ernesto Valverde, whose departure at the end of the current season was already confirmed.
Terzić arrives in Bilbao after a notable spell in Germany, where he led Dortmund to the 2021 DFB-Pokal trophy and last season's UEFA Champions League final. His most recent tenure at Signal Iduna Park concluded at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, following a season in which Dortmund finished as Bundesliga runners-up and were defeated by Real Madrid in European club football's showpiece event. The 43-year-old has been without a role since his departure.
The move represents a significant shift for Athletic Club, who have operated under Valverde's guidance for a second successful spell since 2022. The Basque club, bound by their unique policy of fielding only players from or developed in the Basque Country, requires a coach who can work within strict sporting parameters while competing at the highest level. Terzić’s reputation for fostering strong team spirit and achieving notable cup success is seen as aligning well with the club's distinct identity and ambitions.
For Terzić, the appointment marks a first venture into management outside of Germany and a new challenge in one of Europe's most respected leagues. His tactical flexibility and experience in high-pressure knockout competitions will be tested in La Liga, where Athletic Club currently sit in a European qualification position and remain alive in this season's Copa del Rey. The club's structure and long-term project, underscored by the four-year contract, likely provided a compelling appeal for the coach.
The transition comes at a pivotal moment for Athletic, who are constructing a new squad cycle around their core of homegrown talent. Terzić’s immediate task will be to build upon the foundation laid by Valverde and navigate the club's continued pursuit of silverware and consistent Champions League qualification. His appointment signals Athletic's intent to maintain their upward trajectory with a coach freshly proven on the European stage.
