Athletic Bilbao announced the appointment of German coach Edin Terzić as the head coach of the first team, with a contract extending until June 30, 2028, succeeding Spaniard Ernesto Valverde.

The Basque club's management chose to hire a coach with clear European experience, as Terzić arrives after a notable stint with Borussia Dortmund, where he competed for domestic titles and had a strong presence in continental competitions.

During his time with Dortmund, the German coach won his first major title after winning the German Cup in 2021, and came close to winning the Bundesliga title in a subsequent season before losing it in the final round, in addition to leading the team to reach the UEFA Champions League final in 2024, an achievement that bolstered his standing on the European stage.

Terzić, 43, arrives with a resume that combines rapid successes and experience within major clubs, as well as his ability to manage locker rooms that include a mix of young talents and experienced players.

His experiences within Dortmund's academy and the club's sports management are also considered important factors that align with Athletic Bilbao's philosophy, which relies on developing talents from the “Lezama” academy.

The German coach has also had international experiences, having worked as an assistant coach at West Ham United and Beşiktaş, providing him with diverse experiences in different football environments.

The club confirmed that the official presentation of the new coach will take place after the end of the current season, out of respect for the existing coaching staff, with four crucial matches remaining for the team.

The signing of Terzić is considered an ambitious step by Bilbao's management, which seeks to enhance its European presence and compete strongly in the Spanish league through a modern technical project that combines experience and ambition.