Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard is set to land his next role in management after agreeing to take a job in the Saudi Arabian Pro League. Reports suggest the former Aston Villa boss has finalised terms to take over as the new head coach of Al Ettifaq and an announcement to confirm his appointment could be made on Monday following a huge U-turn from the Premier League hero.
The 43-year-old is set to become one of the highest-paid managers in the world after accepting an offer from the Saudi outfit, who have been looking to appoint Gerrard for a number of weeks.
Gerrard has been left without work since leaving Aston Villa in November after spending a year in charge at Villa Park. Prior to that, he had enjoyed a successful three-year spell with Scottish giants Rangers, leading the Gers to an unbeaten season and their first title in a decade.
And despite being linked with a number of vacancies in the Premier League and the Championship, Gerrard is set to embark on a new adventure in the Arabian Gulf, with the Daily Mail reporting he has now agreed to take the job at Al Ettifaq.
Al Ettifaq, who finished seventh in the 16-team Saudi Pro League division last season, flew club chiefs to London to thrash out a deal and they have struck an agreement with Gerrard’s arrival potentially announced in the ‘next 24 hours’.
N’Golo Kante, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema will all play in the division next year, while the familiar face of Roberto Firmino could greet Gerrard as the Brazilian is joining Al-Ahli on a three-year deal.
Unlike some of their big-spending league rivals, Al Ettifaq are yet to make any marquee signings. But the arrival of Gerrard could see big names flock to the Saudi club with the offer of eye-watering wages, with the former England international set to bank a hefty salary himself while working there.
When asked about the position in June while working as a pundit for Channel 4, Gerrard confirmed he had received an offer but had turned down the job.
“I was invited over there to look at a potential offer, I’ve been analysing that but where I stand right now I won’t be taking it on,” he said.
But it appears Gerrard has changed his mind after being overlooked for jobs in the Championship. Relegated Leicester City opted to pick Pep Guardiola’s former assistant Enzo Maresca as their new boss, while Leeds are poised to appoint Daniel Farke.
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