On Thursday, Steven Gerrard signed a new contract with Al-Ettifaq that will keep him as coach till 2027. Although the 43-year-old Gerrard signed a two-year contract with Al-Ettifaq in July, his team is just 28 points behind leaders Al-Hilal in the Pro League standings, sitting in eighth place.
Al Ettifaq confirmed Gerrard’s new contract on the same evening that they announced Jordan Henderson’s contract with the club had been ended by mutual consent, as the England international midfielder sealed his transfer to Ajax.
Here to stay 💚❤️
Photos from Steven Gerrard’s contract extension with #Ettifaq president and CEO ✍️ pic.twitter.com/N4CKocdCmQ
— Ettifaq Club (@Ettifaq_EN) January 18, 2024
Gerrard said in the statement, “This is very pleasing for myself and my family and feels like recognition for a lot of hard work and commitment.”
“We knew at the beginning this was a big job and a challenging job, but a lot has been achieved.” her added, “I also understand my position, it’s a results business. I never take that for granted. I understand where we are in the league, but I am very confident we will improve.”
Since joining the Saudi Pro League club in July 2023, he has struggled for consistency, with Al Ettifaq having lost their last eight games.
Recently, Henderson, 33, left Al-Ettifaq on Thursday after just six months there to join struggling Ajax. He was reportedly making £700,000 ($887,000) a week in the kingdom.