Steven Gerrard signed a new deal with Al-Ettifaq to remain as coach until 2027 on Thursday, just moments after former Liverpool teammate Jordan Henderson left the Saudi club after a six-month nightmare.
The 43-year-old Gerrard arrived at Al-Ettifaq last July on a two-year deal but his team are a lowly eighth in the Pro League table, 28 points behind leaders Al-Hilal – despite signing a host of big names as part of the Saudi Arabian transfer spending spree in the off-season.
It included landing four high-profile stars in Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Moussa Dembélé and Demarai Gray.
But Al-Ettifaq have not won in eight league matches (nine in all comps) and Gerrard was reportedly close to being sacked, with the SPL on hiatus due to the ongoing AFC Asian Cup.
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For a manager previously touted as a potential successor to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool following an impressive stint at Rangers in Scotland, being sacked by Al-Ettifaq may well have been the last nail in the coffin of Gerrard’s managerial career after struggling at Aston Villa.
But after Henderson quit the club only six months in to a reported £700,000 per week ($A1.35m per week) deal in the kingdom, the club handed Gerrard a shock contract extension.
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The move raised plenty of eyebrows, with some viewing the deal as an attempt to shore up Saudi Arabia’s football reputation after losing one of its biggest names following a disappointing six months.
“This is very pleasing for myself and my family and feels like recognition for a lot of hard work and commitment,” said former England captain Gerrard in a statement.
“We knew at the beginning this was a big job and a challenging job, but a lot has been achieved.”
He added: “I also understand my position, it’s a results business. I never take that for granted. I understand where we are in the league, but I am very confident we will improve.”
Earlier Thursday, 33-year-old Henderson – also a former Liverpool captain – left Al-Ettifaq after only six months at the club to join faltering Dutch giants Ajax.
Saad Allazeez, Vice Chairman and interim CEO of the SPL said the deal suited everyone to resolve the situation.
“Sometimes despite best efforts people don’t always adjust or settle,” said Allazeez.
“Everyone tried and no one is to blame,” he added.
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Henderson’s move to Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is illegal, sparked accusations of hypocrisy given the England international’s outspoken support for the LGBT+ community.
Pride in Football, a network of LGBT+ fan groups, said at the time: “When you see someone who has been an ally so publicly transfer to a club in a country where LGBT+ people are attacked and imprisoned, it is disappointing.”
“Good luck in Saudi Arabia Jordan, but you have lost the respect of so many people who valued you and trusted you.”