Athletic Club have made a crucial move to extend the contract of head coach Ernesto Valverde.

The experienced manager was due to end his deal in Bilbao at the end of the current season after guiding the club to the Copa del Rey title.

Success in the Copa del Rey final brought a major trophy to the club for the first time since 1984 and triggered wild celebrations at the Estadio San Mames.

Copa del Rey winner Ernesto Valverde extends his Athletic Club contract to 2025 https://t.co/9D4qpzEBmj

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However, the club have been engaged in talks with Valverde’s representatives since the final, with an agreement now confirmed until 2025.

The length of the deal shows Valverde’s openness towards remaining at the club for the next 12 months, but he is keeping long term options open.

Athletic Club have missed out on UEFA Champions League qualification, via La Liga’s top four, and they are strongly place to finish fifth, their highest place since in 2016, in Valverde’s second stint in charge at the club.

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