Steven Gerrard appointed manager of Saudi side Al-Ettifaq
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Steven Gerrard said last month he would not be taking up an offer to join the team.
PHOTO: ETTIFAQ/TWITTER
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DAMMAM – Steven Gerrard has been appointed coach of Saudi side Al-Ettifaq, having previously decided against taking up the position, the Saudi Pro League club said on Monday. The former Liverpool and England midfielder said last month he would not be taking up an offer
However, the 43-year-old has had a change of heart and becomes the latest big name to join the growing league.
“Where legends are found. We’re thrilled to announce Steven Gerrard is our new head coach,” Al-Ettifaq wrote on Twitter.
Al-Ettifaq finished seventh in the top-tier Saudi Pro League last season.
Gerrard, capped 114 times by England, guided Rangers to their first Scottish Premiership title in 10 years
His move is the latest in a trend that began since Al-Nassr signed Cristiano Ronaldo last December.
Former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema joined champions Al-Ittihad in June.
The club on Monday also announced the arrival of Celtic winger Jota
Financial details were not disclosed but the Scottish media reported the transfer fee was £25 million (S$42.9 million).
Al-Ittihad announced the deal by publishing an animated video of coach Nuno Espirito Santo watching Jota’s goals.
“We want to conquer the world,” the former Wolverhampton Wanderers coach said in the video with the Club World Cup in the background.
Al-Ittihad will participate in the Club World Cup in Jeddah in December as champions of the host country’s league.
Jota, 24, is their third major signing after Ballon d’Or winner Benzema and former Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante.
The former Benfica forward scored 28 goals and made 26 assists in 83 games after moving to the Scottish champions in 2021.
The Saudi Pro league has become an attractive destination for Europe-based players.
Last month, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced a Sports Clubs Investment and Privatisation Project involving Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.
PIF owns 75 per cent of each of the four clubs, while their respective non-profit foundations own 25 per cent of each.
Al-Nassr, who finished second last season, on Monday announced the arrival of Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic on a three-year contract.
The financial details were not disclosed but Italian media said the transfer fee was €18 million (S$26.5 million).
“Everyone wanted him. He wanted ONLY us. #BrozovicIsYellow,” Al-Nassr wrote on Twitter.
“Don’t worry, I’m here. I choose AL-Nassr,” the Croatia international added.
Brozovic, 30, joined Inter in 2015 and helped them win Serie A in the 2020-21 season, followed by two Italian Cup trophies.
He was also in the Inter side who lost the Champions League final to Manchester City last season.
REUTERS
