Steven Gerrard reaffirms Saudi Pro League commitment as Liverpool legend insists he 'wants to be part' of Al-Ettifaq's future

Gerrard, having signed a new contract with Al-Ettifaq in January until 2027, appears fully committed to the development of the highly ambitious Saudi Pro League, adamant there is potential for the competition to "get closer to the top" leagues in the world.

Big name players, many towards the latter stages of their career - but not exclusively, have flooded out of Europe to Saudi Arabia since the start of 2023. The enormous financial incentives on offer have often made the headlines, although the football has continued to be criticised and not everyone has found it to be what they wished for. Jordan Henderson wound up leaving Al-Ettifaq within a few months after seemingly struggling to settle and being left underwhelmed by poor attendances outside the country's state-controlled 'Big Four' clubs.

Gerrard told the Daily Telegraph: "I knew they were going to be extremely ambitious. A lot of big-name footballers were coming to the league. There is the ambition to get there fast. The change in this league from 12 months ago, I have felt it. It has improved immensely. If that continues then I believe this will get closer to the top and I want to be part of that."

Having finished sixth in the recently concluded 2023-24 campaign, Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq will have their work cut out closing the gap on those above them, finishing 48 points adrift of champions Al-Hilal and 17 points off the AFC Champions League places. Making up an 11-point gap to fourth place to qualify for Champions League Two, Asia's equivalent of the Europa League, might be more realistic, although fifth-place Al-Ittihad would be expected to bounce back in 2024-25 after a surprisingly poor season from the previous reigning champions.