Steven Gerrard has once again endured a difficult season in charge of Al-Ettifaq and is now dealing with the impending exit of one of his star players on the eve of the January transfer window
Steven Gerrard is facing fresh problems at Al-Ettifaq, with star midfielder Seko Fofana set to leave the club in January.
Gerrard has endured a difficult spell in charge of the Saudi Pro League outfit, despite spending heavily to assemble a star-studded squad. That spending has not led to positive results, with Ettifaq 11th in the table, just six points clear of the relegation zone.
They also recently went on a nine-game winless run in the league, which led to the sackings of assistant boss Dean Holden and sporting director Mark Allen. The winter break has allowed Gerrard the chance to restock.
But on the eve of the January transfer window, the embattled boss has been dealt a major blow. Having lost captain Jordan Henderson in last season’s January window, Fofana looks set to follow in the Englishman’s footsteps.
According to Le Parisien, the Ivorian midfielder is closing in on a move back to European football with Ligue 1 outfit Rennes. The midtable side have held ‘successful discussions’ with Fofana.
The 29-year-old is now set to cut his 18-month stay in Saudi short, having been made a top priority by Renees. It is understood that he has already passed his medical and should complete his move shortly after the window opens.
Fofana moved to Saudi in the summer of 2023 to join Al-Nassr and has been twice loaned to Ettifaq. He had an offer to move to another Saudi club, but has instead opted to return to Europe.
Rennes will pay Nassr a fee of around £17million to secure his signature. Fofana’s exit will be a bitter blow for Gerrard, with the Ivory Coast international having started all but two of Ettifaq’s league games this season.
Gerrard has only just got Ettifaq back to winning ways in the Saudi top-flight, having led them to a 2-1 win over Al-Khaleej in their final game before the winter break. He had been hoping to use the break to reset his side for the second-half of the campaign.
“Everyone played a role in the game and we were eager to improve our league performance. Winning a derby match was a crucial opportunity to get back on the winning track in the league,” he said following the win.
“Our plan now is to enjoy today’s victory. The players truly deserve it based on their effort during this period. During the break, there will be some time off to see our families and then we will have significant work for the training camp.
“It’s important not to dwell too much on today’s result. There is still a lot to work on, both defensively and offensively. We will continue to work with the players individually and collectively to develop and improve our league performance.
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