Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Aidan Smith

Steven Gerrard set for shock U-turn as ex-Rangers boss 'close to management return'

Steven Gerrard could be set for a major management U-turn, according to reports.

The former Rangers boss has been out of work since October last year when he was sacked by Premier League outfit Aston Villa.

Since then, Gerrard has been linked with a number of positions both on the club and international scene.

Most recently the Liverpool legend was linked with Saudi outfit Al-Ettifaq, but he spoke publically about the job insisting he would not be making the move.

He said on Channel 4: "I was invited over there to look at a potential offer, which I did.

"I have been analysing that over the last couple of days. But, as we stand right now, I won't be taking that offer up."

Now in a U-turn, GOAL journalist Marc Mechenoua claims the stunning move to the Saudi Premier League could be back on.

The report claims talks have resumed after a Saudi delegation travelled to England to speak directly to Gerrard to try and finalise a deal.

No official announcement has been made by Al-Ettifaq, who finished seventh in the 16-team division last term.

Meanwhile, Michael Beale is confident Abdallah Sima is already “aligned” to Rangers’ style of play after the Brighton forward sealed a season-long loan move to Ibrox.

The Premiership club confirmed the recruitment of the 22-year-old Senegalese, who becomes their fifth signing of the summer.

Sima played against the Gers for Slavia Prague in the Europa League in March 2021, just months before earning a £7million move to Brighton.

He has so far struggled to establish himself with the Premier League club and has spent time on loan at Championship side Stoke and French Ligue 1 team Angers.

“We are delighted to have Abdallah join us for the forthcoming season,” Beale told Rangers’ website. “He is a player I’m excited to work with, he has excellent variety in his game and can fulfil a number of attacking positions in our team.

“He has recently turned 22 years old and has experienced playing in three domestic top divisions, in the Europa League and is a senior international for Senegal.

“We met a few weeks ago and discussed at length his alignment to our style of play and his future development as a player.

“He is someone I have followed closely since his breakthrough in the Czech Republic and I am extremely pleased to have Abdallah join the squad at the very start of pre-season.

“I would also like to say thank you to the staff at Brighton who have been excellent since our initial contact a number of weeks ago.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.