Steven Gerrard's video ad for Al Ettifaq contains a reference to the This is Anfield sign. Photo: Al Ettifaq
Stephen Gerrard has taken an unexpected turn by becoming the latest footballing figure to get a job in Saudi Arabia. The club he is joining is also in talks to sign Wilfried Zaha, who is currently a free agent.
Gerrard accepted the role of the new head coach of Pro-League club Al Ettifaq after resigning last month.
The 43-year-old even traveled to Saudi Arabia to negotiate but said: “As of now, I will not accept this offer.”
However, the Saudis continued negotiations with the former Aston Villa and Rangers manager and finally convinced him to take over.
A key factor is believed to be that Gerrard was promised a huge transfer budget with Al-Ettifak, who finished seventh last season, promising to fight for the title.
Representatives are currently in London finalizing Gerrard's appointment , which was announced accompanied by a video on their social media channels.
Gerrard signs with Khalid Al Dabal. Photo: Twitter: @Ettifaq_EN
The video reproduces Gerrard's legendary career at Liverpool, although unfortunately one of the images spells “Merci” as “Mereci” (sic).
“Where legends live. We are thrilled to announce that Steven Gerrard will be our new head coach,” the club also tweeted, as well as including a separate video of the Al Ettifaq-colored layout of a player touching the This Is Anfield sign. in a tunnel in Liverpool.
However, Gerrard's decision came as something of a shock as the former Liverpool midfielder hoped Leeds United and Leicester City would consider him when he hoped to return to management.
But it was bait Al-Ettifaka. ambition that convinced him that more and more players and coaches are now considering Saudi Arabia.
There is, of course, an undeniable attraction for the money on offer, but it also seems that a critical mass is being reached with the number of top-notch players. signed to improve the quality of the league.
Al Ettifak is one of four clubs that have been taken over by the State Investment Fund, majority owner Newcastle United, in a huge effort to boost the league's prestige and spending.
Al-Ettifaq has targeted Zaha, who at Crystal Palace is still hoping to stay and sign a new contract, but who is currently out of contract and on 30 June, although he continues to train at the Premier League club . The Palace has made a record bid of £200,000 a week to keep the 30-year-old.
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