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Liverpool and England legend Steven Gerrard is set to sign a new contract with Saudi Pro L eague club Al Ettifaq despite the exit of team captain Jordan Henderson. Gerrard's former Liverpool teammate left the Merseyside club before the start of the 2023-24 season amidst a mass exodus of Europe's top players to Saudi Arabia.
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Henderson joined Al Ettifaq on a reported £12 million move from Liverpool with an opportunity to help 'grow the Pro League into one of the best in the world'. But, the 33-year-old had a turbulent start with problems adjusting to a different lifestyle and struggles with the heat and humidity of the playing conditions. Further Al Ettifaq's sub-par average attendance this season of 7,800 in a 35,000-capacity stadium added fuel to the fire
Hence with the start of the January transfer window, Al Ettifaq had agreed to terminate Henderson's contract and allow him to move out of Saudi Arabia after just 19 appearances. As the England international leaves the Middle East, he set to join Dutch giants, Ajax Amsterdam, who are also going through a horrendous season.
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Amidst these troubles, Steven Gerrard has agreed to a two-year deal with Al Ettifaq, according to the Athletic. Gerrard’s current deal was ending in 2025 but with this reported new extension the former Liverpool man will stay with the club until 2027. The extension also seems like one of the few positive updates regarding the club with Al Ettifaq failing to register a win in their last eight games.
