Legend quits $1.35m per week Saudi gig after six month nightmare — as Gerrard handed shock new deal
Steven Gerrard signed a new deal with Al-Ettifaq to remain as coach until 2027 on Thursday, just moments after former Liverpool teammate Jordan Henderson left the Saudi club after a six-month nightmare.
The 43-year-old Gerrard arrived at Al-Ettifaq last July on a two-year deal but his team are a lowly eighth in the Pro League table, 28 points behind leaders Al-Hilal – despite signing a host of big names as part of the Saudi Arabian transfer spending spree in the off-season.
It included landing four high-profile stars in Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Moussa Dembélé and Demarai Gray.
But Al-Ettifaq have not won in eight league matches (nine in all comps) and Gerrard was reportedly close to being sacked, with the SPL on hiatus due to the ongoing AFC Asian Cup.
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For a manager previously touted as a potential successor to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool following an impressive stint at Rangers in Scotland, being sacked by Al-Ettifaq may well have been the last nail in the coffin of Gerrard’s managerial career after struggling at Aston Villa.
But after Henderson quit the club only six months in to a reported £700,000 per week ($A1.35m per week) deal in the kingdom, the club handed Gerrard a shock contract extension.
The move raised plenty of eyebrows, with some viewing the deal as an attempt to shore up Saudi Arabia’s football reputation after losing one of its biggest names following a disappointing six months.
“This is very pleasing for myself and my family and feels like recognition for a lot of hard work and commitment,” said former England captain Gerrard in a statement.
“We knew at the beginning this was a big job and a challenging job, but a lot has been achieved.”
He added: “I also
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