Steven Gerrard ‘set for return to management as he makes shock U-turn’ after rejecting first offer
STEVEN GERRARD is reportedly set to complete a major U-turn as he prepares to be appointed manager of Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq.
The Liverpool legend, 43, initially rejected an offer from the Middle East outfit last month.
He travelled to Saudi for talks with club chiefs, before ultimately declining the proposal.
But The Athletic are now reporting he is set to take charge of the side ahead of the 2023/24 campaign after discussions restarted last week.
Speaking two weeks ago about the approach, he said: “I was invited over there [Saudi Arabia] to look at a potential offer, which I did.
“But, as we stand right now, I won’t be taking that offer up.”
Gerrard has been out of work since he was sacked by Aston Villa in October last year.
Prior to his stint in England, he won the Scottish Premiership with Rangers during a three-year spell in Glasgow.
Al-Ettifaq finished seventh in the Saudi Pro League last season, 35 points adrift of champions Al-Ittihad – coached by ex-Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
Gerrard had been linked with the vacant position at Championship side Sheffield Wednesday following Darren Moore’s departure.
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But now he looks set to become the latest European-based star to jet off to Saudi.
A host of big-name faces have joined Cristiano Ronaldo in the Kingdom in recent weeks.
They include Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy.
On June 5, Saudi’s ministry of sport confirmed the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) – who own 80 per cent of Newcastle – were taking control of four top-flight teams – Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr.
But Al-Ettifaq were not involved in the state-funded takeover.
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