14 June 2023 , 12:26
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Incoming Al Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard is plotting a double swoop for ex-Liverpool duo Philippe Coutinho and Sadio Mane.
Gerrard, 43, is expected to return to management with Saudi Arabian side Al Ettifaq, eight months after he was sacked by Aston Villa. The former midfielder was dismissed from his role in the West Midlands with Villa on the verge of the Premier League bottom-three after picking up nine points from their first 11 matches.
But following a short break from the dugout, Gerrard is set to return - but in a different continent. He will join the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Nuno Espirito Santo in Saudi Arabia as the Middle-Eastern nation continues their remarkable rise of attracting some huge names in the football scene.
Although an official announcement has not been made yet, Gerrard was spotted in Saudi Arabia earlier this week and has already been planning changes to his playing squad. According to Tuttomercato, Gerrard wants to reunite with Coutinho and sign Bayern Munich forward Mane this summer.
Al Ettifaq aren't considered as one of the 'big four' clubs in Saudi Arabia and finished seventh last season, but certainly won't be strapped for cash. Gerrard, who is set to be one of the best-paid coaches in the game, could be handed a huge transfer kitty, and is keen to bolster his forward line.
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Gerrard brought Coutinho to Villa in January 2022 after a disastrous spell at Barcelona. The Brazilian later admitted that the key reason behind his move to Villa Park was Gerrard, for whom he also worked with at Liverpool. Coutinho has failed to impress at Villa, however, scoring just six times in 41 matches.
Mane, meanwhile, could be ready to leave Bayern Munich despite only signing a year ago from Liverpool. He hasn't enjoyed the best of times at the Allianz Arena thus far, striking 12 goals in 38 appearances. The 31-year-old won the Bundesliga in his debut campaign but might be set for the exit door.
Sadio Mane could be on his way to Saudi Arabia (Getty Images)Will Steven Gerrard succeed in Saudi Arabia? Let us know in the comments below!
As for Gerrard, he was linked with Leicester and Leeds in their search for new managers. Leeds are yet to appoint a successor to Sam Allardyce, while Dean Smith could still leave Leicester when his contract expires later this month. Yet it appears Gerrard will continue his managerial career abroad.
This most recent Pro League campaign finished last month, with Ronaldo's Al-Nassr finishing second behind Al-Ittihad. Next season is scheduled to get underway in August, giving Gerrard plenty of time to get to know Al Ettifaq's players if he accepts the job.
Al Ettifaq have won the Pro League twice but not since 1987. Their squad includes Tunisia international Naim Sliti, former Flamengo forward Vitinho and Sweden's Robin Quaison.