Steven Gerrard CONFIRMED as new boss of Saudi side Al-Ettifaq, to be given millions for title charge

Steven Gerrard has been announced as the new boss of Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League, where he will be handed millions to build a team of superstars.

Having originally said he would not be joining, Liverpool legend Gerrard will take the reins at the Saudi club with a view to challenging for the title next season.

Speaking earlier this month, Gerrard, who has been out of work since leaving Aston Villa last season, denied he would be taking the job in Saudi. 

‘I was invited over there to look at a potential offer, I’ve been analysing that but where I stand right now I won’t be taking it on,’ he said. 

But talks reopened and the former England captain has become the latest in a growing list of high-profile figures to join the Saudi Pro League.

Gerrard is taking up his third managerial post after a distinguished playing career 

Mail Sport understands Al Ettifaq chiefs, who are currently in London finalising Gerrard’s appointment, have convinced Gerrard of their project to become the dominant force in the Saudi Pro League.

Gerrard is set to be followed by a number of high-profile players from Europe in the coming days with the club ready to spend heavily to build a team with the capacity to win trophies.

The club announced his arrival with a glossy video on their social media channels.

Twitter footage shows highlights of his stellar playing career with Liverpool.

Mail Sport also reported on Monday that Al Ettifaq are understood to be the latest to try and pitch to forward Wilfried Zaha.

The Ivory Coast international is a free agent and has been looking, ideally, for a Champions League side. 

A number of clubs have come forward but have yet to convince him to commit.

Crystal Palace remain open to re-signing and the Saudi Pro League are also making efforts. 

Wilfried Zaha is out of contract at Crystal Palace as of June 30 and is considering his options

Gerrard had initially decided against going to Saudi Arabia but talks have resumed in recent days with the Dammam-based side – and he has now reportedly agreed to join as their new head coach next season.

Zaha recently sent supporters into overdrive with a cryptic photo posted to his social media a day before his contract with the Eagles expired on June 30. 

As he mulls over his options, he posted a picture to Instagram of himself at the club’s Copers Cope training ground in Beckenham.

Many fans speculated that this was a sign he would be staying at Selhurst Park but his future remains unclear. 

Zaha is currently weighing up a club-record £200,000-a-week offer from Palace as well as multiple money-spinning offers in England and abroad.

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