Valencia Nears Agreement with Javier Aguirre for Coaching Role

The Corberan chapter barely closed before Valencia moved quietly onto the next. Behind the scenes, sporting director Braulio Vázquez has spent the last few days locked in low-profile talks with Javier Aguirre’s camp, edging closer to what now looks like an imminent agreement.

According to MARCA, Friday brought the key conversation. Both sides went into it wanting the same thing: a deal. Those close to other coaches sounded out by Vázquez have already started to admit what the market is telling them — the Mexican is out in front to take over the Blanquinegros.

Valencia turn to experience

At 67, Aguirre is not a gamble. He is a statement that Valencia want know-how, not experiments. Inside the club, they see him as the right figure to jolt a shaken squad back into life: strong personality, deep roots in Spanish football, and a long history of walking into dressing rooms under pressure.

If he signs, Valencia would become the seventh La Liga side of his career. His CV in Spain is extensive: Osasuna, Atletico Madrid, Real Zaragoza, Espanyol, Leganes, Mallorca. He knows the stadiums, the rhythms, the survival battles.

Aguirre is currently free after finishing his spell with Mexico following the 2026 World Cup, a detail that removes the usual complications of prising a coach away mid-season.

Contract built around survival

Money is not expected to derail the talks. The framework is already clear: Aguirre wants a deal until the end of the current campaign, with an option to stay on into next season.

That extension will not be sentimental. It hinges on targets, and the main one could not be clearer — keep Valencia in La Liga. Hit the objectives and the project continues. Miss them and the club can reset again in the summer.

Valverde says no, Sánchez steps in

Valencia are not rushing the announcement. Their first choice, Ernesto Valverde, turned down the job to prolong his sabbatical, forcing the board to look elsewhere and ultimately pushing Aguirre to the front of the queue.

For now, Oscar Sánchez carries the responsibility. The interim coach will lead the team from the dugout for this weekend’s trip to Real Sociedad, a difficult assignment dropped into his lap while the club finalise their long-term decision.

Then comes a crucial window. Valencia plan to use the upcoming three-week international break as a reset button, handing the incoming manager the chance to run a mini pre-season at Paterna.

If, as expected, that man is Javier Aguirre, he will not just be preparing a team. He will be preparing a rescue mission.