Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is reportedly set to become the next high-profile figure to move to the Saudi Pro League, as manager of Al-Ettifaq.
The former Reds captain had been courted by the Saudi Arabian side last month but revealed ahead of the Champions League final on June 10 between Manchester City and Inter that he intended to turn down the offer.
"I was invited over there to look at a potential offer, which I did, and have been analysing that over the last couple of days," Gerrard said during BT Sport's coverage. "As we stand, right now, I won't be taking that offer up."
However, The Athletic have now reported that Gerrard has performed a U-turn on those initial plans and is ready to be confirmed as the new manager of Al-Ettifaq after talks resumed last week.
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The move to the Saudi Pro League will mark Gerrard's first role in management since he was sacked as Aston Villa boss in November 2022 after winning just two of his final 11 matches in charge.
The move to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be viewed as a surprise one but the former England international will become the latest famous name to move out to the Middle East as the national continues its concerted effort to raise the profile of its top division.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Kalidou Koulibaly have all moved to the nation since November of last year, while Wolves captain Ruben Neves joined Al-Hilal last month.
Manchester City's Bernardo Silva is also believed to be considering an offer from the SPL as the Saudis continue to pour millions into their top-flight development.
Since retiring from his playing days in November 2016, Gerrard initially took up a coaching role with Liverpool's Under-18s before moving to Rangers in the summer of 2018.
From there, the iconic former No.8 led Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title ahead of Celtic by picking up 102 points and going the entire season unbeaten.
He joined Villa later that year and guided them to a 14th-place finish after taking over when they sat 17th in the Premier League.
