Liverpool news: Steven Gerrard back in talks over Saudi Arabia move and first job since Aston Villa exit – sources
Former Rangers and Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard has resurrected a move to Saudi Arabia to become the next manager of Al Ettifaq with talks back on, sources have told Football Insider.
Football Insider revealed last month (12 June) that the Liverpool legend, 43, had jetted out for talks with the Pro League outfit following his Aston Villa sacking last October.
But negotiations appeared to break down when Gerrard revealed live on air that he would not be taking up Al Ettifaq’s offer.
As quoted by talkSPORT (19 June), the ex-England midfielder said: “I have been analysing that [offer] for the last few days but where we stand right now, I won’t be taking that offer.”
But Gerrard and Al Ettifaq have stayed in touch and the football icon could now become the latest high-profile arrival in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Pro League is looking to bolster its profile having signed global superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, N’Golo Kante and Karim Benzema.
Al Effitaq are yet to make a signing in the summer window and do not boast any high-profile stars on their current roster.
The two-time league winners finished seventh of 16 sides in the 2022-23 campaign.
Gerrard was sacked by Villa in October 2022 after less than a year in charge following a disappointing start to their 2022-23 campaign.
He had recorded just two wins in 12 top-flight games and was succeeded by Unai Emery – who led the Midlands giants to Europa Conference League qualification.
Gerrard enjoyed more success in his previous role at Rangers.
He took the helm in 2018 and led the Glasgow giants to their first Scottish title in ten years in the 2020-21 campaign.
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