Steven Gerrard is on the verge of prolonging his tenure as the head coach at Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq.
Saudi Arabian reports indicate that the club is gearing up to officially declare that the 43-year-old has consented to a two-year extension, having initially joined in July.
This development is occurring concurrently with the expected departure of the club’s standout signing and former Liverpool captain, Jordan Henderson.
The 33-year-old midfielder, Henderson, is on the verge of joining Ajax after facing challenges in settling in Saudi Arabia since his £12 million move in July.
It is anticipated that his three-year contract, reportedly worth £700,000 per week, will be terminated.
Meanwhile, Gerrard, one of the highest-paid managers globally with an annual salary of around £15 million, is poised to confirm his extended stay in Saudi Arabia until 2027.
Despite Al-Ettifaq’s current eighth position in the table, Gerrard had an impressive start with five wins in the club’s initial seven games of the season.
However, their form declined, going winless in the last eight matches before a six-week mid-season break.
After retiring from playing in 2016, Gerrard embarked on his managerial career with Rangers, leading them to their first Scottish Premiership title in 2020-21. Subsequently, he became Aston Villa boss in November 2021 but was dismissed a year later after 13 wins in 40 games.