Gerrard 'considering' offer from Saudi Arabia as return nears

 Steven Gerrard has been away from football management since being sacked by Aston Villa last year, but a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia could tempt the former Liverpool midfielder into a return

Steven Gerrard is reportedly considering a return to management following an offer from Saudi Arabia.

The Liverpool legend was sacked by Aston Villa last year after a torrid start to the 2022/23 season which saw him lose six out of the 11 opening matches.

Gerrard’s break from management has since seen him work as a pundit for BT Sport, though it appears the Englishman is now ready to get back in the saddle.

Despite his recent struggles in the Premier League, L’Equipe reports Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq are eager to attain the 43-year-old’s services.

He is the latest of several high-profile names linked with a lucrative move to the Middle-Eastern country, with Cristiano Ronaldo having paved the way in January 2023 by joining Al-Nassr.

Real Madrid legend and Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema this month followed suit by signing for rivals Al-Ittihad, with Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante also expected to make the same move.

Yet Gerrard still has offers on the table from English clubs, should he decide he has more to give in England.

The Sun claims newly-relegated Leicester City are keen for Gerrard to take over from Dean Smith as they eye a return to the Premier League. Leeds United, who have also just been relegated to the Championship, are likewise believed to be interested.

Gerrard’s first foray into management came with Liverpool’s U18s and U19s in the 2017/18 season. He took the step up to manage Scottish giants Rangers in 2018, where he enjoyed his most successful season in the 2020/21 campaign.

Gerrard delivered Rangers their first Scottish Premier League title in ten years, beating rivals Celtic twice along the way while going unbeaten throughout the league season.