Steven Gerrard has officially been appointed as the manager of Saudi Pro League team Al-Ettifaq. The 43-year-old received interest from the Saudi team in June but initially turned down the offer. However, after seven months of unemployment, Gerrard reconsidered and accepted the role in Southwestern Asia.
Gerrard began his managerial career in 2018 at Rangers, two years after retiring as a football player. His time in the Scottish Premiership was successful, winning the title in the 2021-2022 season, which generated interest from Aston Villa.
He joined Villa in November but struggled, winning only 13 out of 40 games before being sacked in October.
As a young manager in the early stages of his coaching career, Gerrard is still establishing himself in the coaching world despite his elite status as a former player. It is not surprising that he faced challenges in one of the most difficult leagues in world football, given his relative inexperience. The Al-Ettifaq role is expected to contribute to his career progression, providing him with valuable tools that may facilitate a potential return to European football in the future.
Gerrard will be in familiar company, joining notable transfers to the Saudi Pro League this year, such as Ronaldo, Kante, Mendy, Koulibaly, Benzema, Neves, and Brozovic. Among the managers, Gerrard is the first prominent figure to join the league this year, as both Marco Silva of Fulham and Jose Mourinho of Roma declined offers during this transfer window.
Gerrard's name is expected to generate attention for the Saudi Pro League and Al-Ettifaq, who finished 7th last season and aim to climb the table in the upcoming season. Although the team is not one of the four Saudi teams acquired by the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF), they still have significant funds to invest in their squad. According to The Mail's Chris Wheeler, the club and manager have identified Jordan Henderson as one of their primary targets for the summer transfer window. This potential transfer would reunite two Liverpool legends and exemplifies the attractiveness Gerrard's name brings to Al-Ettifaq.