La Liga
The Athletic Club does not want the future to catch it off guard and has already begun working on the post-Ernesto Valverde scenario. The rojiblanco sports management has sounded out Claudio Giráldez as a possible replacement in the San Mamés dugout.
Although Ernesto Valverde remains at the helm of the project and enjoys institutional support, the Athletic Club is aware that every cycle has an expiration date. That is why the club has taken a discreet but significant step by contacting the current Celta coach.
Athletic Club considers Claudio Giráldez as a natural successor
Claudio Giráldez has established himself as one of the most interesting emerging coaches in Spanish football. His recent work has stood out for his commitment to young talent and for a bold and recognizable style of play.
The Athletic Club believes that Claudio Giráldez fits its model. Confidence in the academy and institutional coherence are historical pillars that the coach shares in his sporting proposal.
Sources close to the Athletic Club insist that there is no finalized agreement. However, the mere contact reflects that the club is already charting the roadmap for the future of the dugout.

Ernesto Valverde continues, but Athletic Club plans ahead
Ernesto Valverde remains focused on immediate goals and maintains the stability of the squad. His experience and knowledge of the club continue to be fundamental assets in day-to-day operations.
Nevertheless, the Athletic Club understands that transitions must be prepared in advance. Anticipatory planning avoids hasty decisions and allows for a calm evaluation of profiles.
Claudio Giráldez emerges as an alternative that offers continuity in values and innovation in tactical nuances. His ability to enhance young talents is a point that is particularly appealing within the Athletic Club, as confirmed by Onda Cero.
🔴INFORMATION FROM ONDA CERO Athletic has already reached out to Claudio Giráldez for the post-Valverde era
👉 @rafafdezOCR https://t.co/5Wewnwpz9R
— Onda Cero (@OndaCero_es) February 15, 2026
A strategic move towards Athletic Club's future
The Athletic Club has not made any formal negotiations public, but the initial approaches confirm that the succession of Ernesto Valverde is already an internal matter.
Claudio Giráldez remains committed to his current role and refrains from commenting on speculations. However, his name is gaining prominence in the debate about the future of the rojiblanco dugout.
The Athletic Club is clear that the coach is a fundamental piece of the project. Therefore, the call to Claudio Giráldez is not impromptu but part of a defined strategy. The Athletic Club aims to be well-prepared for the day after Ernesto Valverde, ensuring stability and continuity in its competitive identity.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Athletic Club ya tiene elegido al sustituto de Ernesto Valverde
