Ex-Mexico manager Javier Aguirre nearing La Liga return with Valencia, per reports

Y si sí? The leader of Mexico at the 2026 World Cup may be trying to convince a new set of fans to believe.

Veteran coach Javier Aguirre left El Tri after the summer tournament, carrying out a succession plan that saw Mexico legend Rafa Marquez take the helm ahead of 2030. The 67-year-old said he hoped to travel with his wife and enjoy time with his grandkids, but he could already be set for his next role.

Multiple reports, including one from Valencia -based newspaper Superdeporte , indicate that Aguirre will take over relegation-threatened Valencia CF.

The historic club recently fired both manager Carlos Corberán and CEO Ron Gourlay after a winless start to the first five matches of the La Liga season. Valencia is in the final season of play at the Mestalla stadium and hoped to start the campaign strong after closing out last year as one of the hottest teams in Spain .

Instead, it was a return to form from the start of the 2025-26 season, and Valencia opted to seek new leadership.

There is an agreement in principle for that new leader to be Aguirre, reports indicate, with only a few terms to be worked out. One of those is Valencia being able to free up fitness coach Pol Lorente, a long-time Aguirre staff member who stayed on the FMF staff with Marquez .

Ernesto Valverde also was a strong candidate, but reportedly opted to stay out of management this season after coaching Athletic last year.

"I think it'd be a bit imprudent for me to speak about Aguirre. His record speaks to who he is, which is why like I said it'd be a bit bold for me to speak about him," Valencia interim manager Oscar Sanchez said in a news conference Saturday, Sept. 19.

Aguirre's record in Spain is a positive one, earning a reputation as a coach who can help teams stay in the top division. He helped Mallorca stay up in 2022 and almost was able to rescue Leganés in 2019-20, coming a point short after arriving in November.

Now, in theory, Aguirre will come into the job with much more time to work his magic and put the team back in the top half of the league where history suggests it belongs.

The move also could lead to a reunion of sorts with a pair of England stars who helped knock Mexico out at the Estadio Azteca in the round of 16. Aguirre's playful banter with Anthony Gordon , now with FC Barcelona , went viral. Aguirre also shared words with Real Madrid 's Jude Bellingham before and after that clash.

The reports indicate Aguirre could be on the east coast of Spain working as soon as the start of next week. Valencia sits 19th in the 20-team La Liga ahead of a Sunday, Sept. 20 meeting with Real Sociedad .

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