Gerrard lines up Liverpool star as ambitious first target at Al-Ettifaq; Coutinho, Auba, Mane on list

Steven Gerrard reportedly wants to bring Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson to Al-Ettifaq after being announced as the Saudi Arabian club’s new manager.

The 43-year-old has returned to management after being sacked by Aston Villa in October less than a year into the job after winning just two of their opening 12 Premier League games.

“Without a doubt Gerrard’s presence will be an addition and a quantum leap to our league,” said Al-Ettifaq president Engineer Khaled Al-Dabel.

Gerrard, who previously led Rangers to the Scottish Premier League title in 2020-21 to secure his first managerial trophy, had been long-term target for the Saudi club but he revealed last month he had turned down an initial approach.

“I was invited over there to look at a potential offer, which I did, and have been analysing that over the last couple of days. As we stand, right now, I won’t be taking that offer up,” Gerrard told BT Sport at the Champions League final.

However, Al-Ettifaq, who finished seventh out of 16 clubs in the Saudi Pro League, maintained their interest and Gerrard has had a change of heart.

READ MORE: Gerrard targets shock Liverpool reunions: Every player linked with Saudi Arabia transfer

And the former Liverpool midfielder has already put together a list of targets as his begins his tenure at the club with the Daily Mail claiming that former Reds team-mate Henderson and Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are his ‘first targets as Al-Ettifaq boss’.

Henderson is ‘one of the possible signings being lined up’ with Gerrard looking to find out if the 33-year-old ‘could be tempted by the riches on offer’.

While Aubameyang ‘could become the latest Chelsea player to head to the Saudi league‘ with the Gabon international looking for a fresh start after a disappointing time at Stamford Bridge.

Philippe Coutinho and Sadio Mane have also been linked with a move to join Gerrard in Saudi Arabia – but the Daily Mail adds that the former Liverpool duo ‘are unlikely to move to Saudi this summer’.

And transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has brought more updates of players around Europe joining the Saudi Pro League.

Romano wrote in his Caught Offside column: “Roberto Firmino has completed the first part of his medical tests as a new Al Ahli player, as expected. The former Liverpool star now set to check and sign all documents, club statement will be the next step. Firmino will join Edouard Mendy at Al Ahli. Here we go confirmed.

“Official, confirmed. Al Ittihad sign Jota on permanent deal from Celtic, as called last week. The deal is worth £25m, three year contract. Jota joins Kante and Benzema at Al Ittihad.

“Marcelo Brozovic has signed contracts as new Al Nassr player. Deal valid until June 2026. €18m final fee to Inter. Here we go, officially confirmed by the club.”