Steven Gerrard has been backed to get the boot during his first season as manager of Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League, according to odds compiled by SportsLens.
The former England and Liverpool manager has been named manager of Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq on a two-year contract, shocking the football world.
After the deal was confirmed, SportsLens' trader priced up some different scenarios regarding Gerrard’s return to management after being sacked by Aston Villa in October.
Steven Gerrard Al-Ettifaq Specials include; To win the 2023/24 Saudi Pro League (20/1), to be relegated from the 2023/24 Saudi Pro League (16/1), to win the King Cup (12/1), to be eliminated in the King Cup first round (6/4) and Gerrard sacked during the 2023/24 season (7/4).
SportsLens Head of News Lee Astley said: “Steven Gerrard won’t face an easy task in Saudi Arabia and Al-Ettifaq were an average side last season, finishing seventh and 35 points off the pace as Al-Ittihad won the league.
“He’s up against it with the reigning champions making a number of big-money moves like signing Karim Benzema from Real Madrid, N’Golo Kante from Chelsea and Celtic winger Jota.
“Not to mention Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr who have added Marcelo Brozovic from Inter Milan. Al-Hilal have also signed Ruben Neves and Kalidou Koulibaly.
“Gerrard will need a miracle transfer window to give himself any chance of challenging for the league title next season.”
Meanwhile, Michael Beale believes Nigeria forward Cyriel Dessers will bring “personality and leadership” to his Rangers team.
Dessers became the sixth new arrival at Ibrox this summer upon joining from Cremonese on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance.
“We are delighted to have Cyriel joining our club,” Beale told the official Rangers website after the four-times capped Dessers had completed his move from Italy.
“He brings a lot of experience from playing in Holland, Belgium and Italy, as well as in European competitions.
“We were looking for a very specific profile and believe that Cyriel will give us a variety of qualities both in and out of possession.
“When we met, we spoke at length about his alignment to our style of play and the other forwards we have in our squad.
“At 28-years-old, he is at a good age and will bring personality and leadership to our team. Cyriel pushed extremely hard to make this transfer a reality and showed a huge desire to come here.
“We are very happy to have him and his family joining us at Rangers. He is an excellent addition to our squad and I look forward to working with him closely over the coming seasons.”
