Steven Gerrard has been appointed as the new manager of Southampton, marking his return to Premier League management after a brief stint in Saudi Arabia. The 43-year-old former Liverpool captain left his role at Al Ettifaq following a U-turn on a lucrative offer earlier this summer.
Gerrard had initially rejected the Saudi club's approach, stating during England's Euro 2024 qualifiers that he would not take up the offer. However, multiple reports confirmed his move to Al Ettifaq, where he replaced interim manager Antonio Cazorla. Now, he has been poached by Southampton, who are looking to rebuild after a challenging season.
The Liverpool legend has been out of work since October 2022, when he was sacked by Aston Villa after only 11 months in charge. His only previous senior management role was at Rangers, where he won the Scottish Premiership title in 2021. Southampton will hope his experience can guide them back to stability in the Premier League.
Gerrard's appointment comes as Southampton aim to avoid relegation battles, with the club currently in the bottom half of the table. The move marks a significant step in his managerial career, as he seeks to prove his credentials in English football once again.
