Former Liverpool great and ex-Aston Villa and Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has reportedly agreed to take charge of Saudi club Al-Ittifaq. The offer, said to come from Al-Ittifaq’s representatives, came after an initial hesitation, with a second proposal convincing Gerrard to take the helm and oversee a roster overhaul designed to bring in high-profile players. The move marks a notable return to a managerial role after Gerrard’s most recent stint at Aston Villa, where he was dismissed in October 2022. Before that, he led Rangers, and at one point there was speculation linking him with Crystal Palace as a potential head coach. The Saudi Pro League, home to stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in recent seasons, has been a magnet for coaches and players alike. It has been reported by reliable football journalist Nicolo Schira that Gerrard previously held a position with Al-Ittifaq, a detail that adds context to the current development. The focus now is on how Gerrard will shape Al-Ittifaq’s strategy, aiming to elevate the club’s status and performance while navigating the expectations that come with recruiting top talent from around the world.
