One of football’s most unique clubs is preparing for a new chapter after the departure of their long serving manager, Ernesto Valverde, who announced he would be leaving Athletic Bilbao at the end of the season.
Bilbao are set to appoint Edin Terzic, with sports journalist Fabrizio Romano already announcing that there is a verbal agreement in place. Club president, Jon Uriarte has identified Terzic as his preferred choice, with the former Borussia Dortmund coach having already been analysing the squad and planning for changes in the summer.
What makes this appointment so interesting is since 1911, Bilbao have had an “unwritten rule” to only sign players born in the Basque area or who previously trained at a Basque club, however coaching positions are seemingly open to managers of any background. However, this does mean Terzic will not be able to dive head first into the transfer market immediately, and will have to follow these “rules”.
Terzic is no stranger to the big stage however, he led Dortmund to the Champions League final in 2024, where his team lost 2-0 to Real Madrid, and since then Terzic has been without a club.
While it might be a unique challenge and experience for the German manager, it’s one that he’s been waiting for.
