Steven Gerrard signs two-year contract extension at Al-Ettifaq

Al-Ettifaq have fared poorly and are eighth in the table

Following his team’s dismal performance and Jordan Henderson’s impending departure, Steven Gerrard has apparently agreed to a two-year agreement to stay with Al-Ettifaq.

The former England international has consented to sign a contract extension with the Saudi Pro League team that would keep him there until 2027, according to The Athletic. The board is behind Gerrard despite their terrible performance and has promised to bring in new players to help them change their SPL fortunes.

After leaving Aston Villa in October 2022, Gerrard signed with Al-Ettifaq in July 2023. The Dammam-based team has battled for consistency since his departure; they have now gone eight games without a win and are down to the ninth place with just 25 points from 19 games.

Furthermore, the midfield will be weakened by Henderson’s impending departure from the team. But Gerrard has plenty of time to find a replacement for the seasoned midfield player, as the SPL is now on hiatus owing to the ongoing AFC Asian Cup.

Gerrard had a great three-year tenure at Rangers, leading them to the Scottish Premiership title in the 2020–21 season, before taking over as manager of Aston Villa. Before accepting the offer, it was stated that the manager had second thoughts about accepting the position in Saudi Arabia.

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In front of an upcoming transfer, Henderson is thought to have already taken a plane to Amsterdam for his Ajax medical. But Gerrard is still in Dammam sketching out a plan to orchestrate a comeback when they play Al-Khaleej in the SPL on February 15.

Ian Foster, the assistant manager, bid farewell to Plymouth Argyle early in January to accept the open management post there.

Foster resigned from his position as the coach in charge of England’s under-20 team and travelled to Saudi Arabia with Gerrard during the summer.

Since the Saudi Pro League is taking a long vacation, Al-Ettifaq’s next game is on February 15 against Al-Khaleej. This gives Gerrard, who has signed a new contract, time to reflect on his mistakes and start over.

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