Gerrard ‘considering new job’ and may become one of world’s best paid managers

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Steven Gerrard is the latest familiar face to be considering a move to Saudi Arabia this summer. The ex-Aston Villa boss has reportedly been approached by Al Ettifaq about heading to the Middle East, and he has requested time to assess the offer, which would likely make him one of the best paid bosses in the world.

Saudi Arabia are working hard to grow football in the country, and they have been handing an enormous budget to do so. Having already persuaded Cristiano Ronaldo to leave Europe in favour of Al-Nassr earlier this year, other top players are following suit.

Though Saudi sides are now also looking at whether they are able to use their budgets to convince well-known managers to take up a position in the Saudi Pro League. Jose Mourinho was recently linked with a move to the country, as well as Zinedine Zidane previously.

Gerrard now becomes the latest manager to be approached by a Saudi side, according to L’Equipe. A source told the French news outlet: “Al-Ettifaq has made an offer to Gerrard. He welcomed the news and asked for time to consider the offer.”

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Gerrard has been out of work since he was sacked by Villa in October, having been linked with vacancies at Southampton and Leeds United since.

European clubs, including those in Turkey, have also been keeping tabs on the ex-Liverpool captain’s situation and attempted to convince him to put pen to paper at their respective clubs. Though Gerrard could be left without a choice but to head to Saudi Arabia given the money on offer in the country.

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Saudi side Al Ittihad are well and truly splashing the cash, having recently convinced Karim Benzema to leave Real Madrid in favour of penning a £172million per year contract with the club. Fellow France international N’Golo Kante is also expected to follow suit, with an £86m per year deal currently on the table for the Chelsea playmaker.

Wilfried Zaha, Neymar and Luka Modric are among a whole host of players who have also been approached by Saudi clubs. Al Hilal were also hoping to welcome Lionel Messi to their ranks this summer so that he could reignite his ‘healthy feud’ with Ronaldo, which undoubtedly would have increased the profile of the Saudi Pro League significantly. However, the Argentina international opted to leave PSG in favour of joining Inter Miami – having waited to see whether Barcelona were able to rework their finances so that he could head back to the Camp Nou.

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