Liverpool legend, Steven Gerrard, is reportedly set to make a return to managerial duties by accepting the position of manager at Saudi Arabian club Al Ettifaq FC. The news emerged after a leaked photo surfaced on Twitter, showing Gerrard at an airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, with a caption from Olt Sports stating that he had arrived to coach Al-Ettifaq.
Al Ettifaq, competing in the Saudi Pro League, is eager to secure Gerrard as their manager, and according to a source close to the potential deal, the club has made an offer to Gerrard, which he has welcomed. However, he has requested some time to evaluate the offer before making a decision.
Previously, Gerrard, who was dismissed from his role at Aston Villa in October, had been linked to managerial vacancies at Leeds United and Leicester City. Al Ettifaq's interest in Gerrard comes as the club aims to strengthen its position in the Saudi Pro League, which includes prominent teams such as Al Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo currently plays. In the recently concluded season, Al Ettifaq finished in 7th place, 35 points behind champions Al Ittihad, the new club of Karim Benzema.
If the deal materializes, Gerrard will be taking charge of his third senior club in his managerial career. Following a stint as a youth coach at Liverpool, he joined Rangers and achieved success by winning the Scottish Premiership in his third season. However, he departed Rangers in November 2021 to join Aston Villa, where he experienced mixed results. Gerrard had a challenging start to the 2022/23 campaign and was relieved of his duties at Villa Park just two months into the season.
However, a move to Al Ettifaq could present Gerrard with an opportunity to revive his managerial career in a league that has been attracting some of the biggest stars in world football. Notably, Al Ettifaq boasts notable players such as Youssoufou Niakaté and Robin Quaison, who together scored 14 goals in the previous season.
The Saudi Pro League has already witnessed an influx of European football stars joining various clubs, further emphasizing its growing stature in the global football landscape.
✅ JUST IN: Steven Gerrard has arrived in Dammam Saudi Arabia to coach Al-Ettifaq! 🔴🟢🔴 pic.twitter.com/TyE7hQk8Kh
— Olt Sports (@oltsport_) June 12, 2023
