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

West Brom said Corberán was leaving “with the gratitude and best wishes of the club” after just over two years as manager and that Chris Brunt, Damià Abella and Boaz Myhill would oversee the first team while a replacement was sought.

Valencia are second from bottom in La Liga after two wins in 17 league games and have both an emotional and sporting appeal 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, seventh in the championship, since October 2022. He was previously head coach at clubs such as Huddersfield and briefly Olympiakos and worked as Marcelo Bielsa’s assistant at Leeds.

Valencia qualified for the Champions League in fourth place in 2019, but have failed to finish higher than ninth since then and were once again embroiled in a relegation battle two seasons ago.