Steven Gerrard agrees to become the new manager of Saudi Arabian side Al Ettifaq, performing a dramatic U-turn after initially turning down the proposal
Steven Gerrard has agreed to become the new Al-Ettifaq manager in a shock twist, Mail Sport understands.
The 43-year-old had initially decided against going to Saudi Arabia, but in recent days talks have resumed with the Dammam-based outfit.
In June the former Aston Villa and Rangers manager confirmed he had visited for discussions but that he would not be taking the offer ‘as we stand right now’.
But in a dramatic U-turn the Liverpool legend is joining the side, who finished 7th in the Saudi Pro League last season, and the deal could be confirmed fully today.
He could be joined at the club by former Crystal Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha, as understood by Mail Sport.
Steven Gerrard
The Ivory Coast international is a free agent and has been looking, ideally, for a Champions League side. A number of clubs have come forward but have yet to convince him to commit.
Crystal Palace remain open to re-signing him and the Al-Ettifaq are also making efforts.
The 30-year-old was revealed last week as part of a consortium to take over Croydon Athletic – alongside Stormzy and ex-Palace kit manager Danny Young.
This is a breaking news story.
More Stories
Furious Lions star Dayne Zorko claims AFL has legalised attacks on players’ genitals after rival who left him with ‘bruised’ groin got off with just a fine
Manchester United 2-3 Borussia Dortmund: Errors in defence lead Ten Hag’s men to defeat in Las Vegas
LeBron James ‘kept telling diners how grateful he was’ to be at dinner with son Bronny, 18, just four days after his cardiac arrest in basketball practice