Steven Gerrard agrees new two-year contract extension to stay at Saudi club Al-Ettifaq - despite his captain Jordan Henderson terminating his deal to move to Ajax and a nine-game winless run
- Steven Gerrard has reportedly extended his Al-Ettifaq contract until 2027
- His position was considered under threat after a winless run of nine games
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Steven Gerrard has agreed a shock two-year contract extension at Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq.
The former Liverpool captain joined in the summer but Al-Ettifaq are only eighth in the Saudi Pro League despite strong investment.
Gerrard's position had been considered under threat due to a winless run of nine games in all competitions, during which time they have scored three goals.
His extension comes despite captain and friend Jordan Henderson terminating his contract with the club and he has officially completed a move to Dutch giants Ajax.
'This is very pleasing for myself and my family and feels like recognition for a lot of hard work and commitment,' the former England captain told Al-Ettifaq's official website.
![Steven Gerrard has agreed a shock two-year contract extension with Al-Ettifaq](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/18/13/80175435-12978223-image-m-4_1705582904662.jpg)
Steven Gerrard has agreed a shock two-year contract extension with Al-Ettifaq
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/18/13/80175437-12978223-image-m-2_1705582888834.jpg)
His reign has taken a blow with Jordan Henderson terminating his contract at the club
'We knew at the beginning this was a big job and a challenging job. We all know it's not going to be an overnight fix. But it's really exciting in terms of where we believe we can get the club to. We want to build a special club and build an elite culture around the team and squad.
'I also understand my position, it's a results business. I never take that for granted. I understand where we are in the league, but I am very confident we will improve. There will need to be an element of patience as there is still a lot to do on and off the pitch.
'Of course, I am going to have challenges in front of me. But I am willing to take them on, embrace it and do the best job I can do for this club.'
Gerrard initially rejected the opportunity to join Al-Ettifaq but changed his mind and signed a deal in July in a dramatic U-turn.
The club recruited Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Demarai Gray, Jack Hendry, and Moussa Dembele in a bid to build on their seventh-placed finish last term.
Despite an impressive start, with six wins and only one defeat in the first eight games of the season in all competitions, they have since faltered.
Al-Ettifaq haven't won a game since October 28 - and that's the only match they've won in their last 13.
Henderson's departure will no doubt come as a blow to the club's ambitions.
![Some thought Gerrard was under threat after a nine-game winless run despite big investment](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/19/00/80172377-12978223-Some_thought_Gerrard_was_under_threat_after_a_nine_game_winless_-a-107_1705625750834.jpg)
Some thought Gerrard was under threat after a nine-game winless run despite big investment
![Gerrard initially rejected the opportunity to join Al-Ettifaq before changing his mind](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/19/00/80175433-12978223-Gerrard_initially_rejected_the_opportunity_to_join_Al_Ettifaq_be-a-108_1705625750836.jpg)
Gerrard initially rejected the opportunity to join Al-Ettifaq before changing his mind
The England midfielder excitedly described last summer's £12million move from Liverpool as a glorious opportunity to help 'grow the Pro League into one of the best in the world'.
However, the 33-year-old grew unsettled. In addition to adjusting to a different lifestyle, he struggled with the heat and humidity of the playing conditions, while Al Ettifaq's average attendance this season of 7,800 in a 35,000-capacity stadium proved less than inspiring.
His family were living in more liberal Bahrain as opposed to the city of Dammam, where Al-Ettifaq play.
The commute to training and home matches, over the King Fahd Causeway, took 55 minutes.
Henderson received abuse and condemnation for moving to Al-Ettifaq, a switch that was criticised as an alleged betrayal of the LGBTQ+ community, and that took its toll.
His move will cost him millions in tax after he chose to walk away from a three-year contract with Al-Ettifaq.
![Henderson was unsettled in Saudi Arabia due to a combination of personal factors](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/19/00/80172713-12978223-Henderson_was_unsettled_in_Saudi_Arabia_due_to_a_combination_of_-a-109_1705625750843.jpg)
Henderson was unsettled in Saudi Arabia due to a combination of personal factors
Shortly after his signing was announced, the England international took to social media to thank his former teammates and fans and explain his decision to leave the Saudi club.
'I’m sad to say that I will be leaving Al-Ettifaq with immediate effect.' He wrote on X, formerly Twitter. 'It wasn’t an easy decision but one that I feel is best for me and my family.
'I want to take this opportunity to thank the club & the fans for all the support during my time. I really felt the love from Day One. I’ll keep watching & hoping for your success. Good luck for the future.'
The Telegraph reported on Wednesday that the player has not even received a penny of his mouth-watering £350,000-a-week wages at Al-Ettifaq, having deferred payments in the last six months.
The report also suggests that, according to certain sources close to the player, there is a belief that Henderson will never be paid what he is owed.
It is thought that the reason for deferring his wages was done for tax reasons, reportedly having done so in part to return to the UK and represent England.
UK law stipulates that any person that spends more than 90 days in the country is considered a resident for tax purposes.
![Gerrard has also had to contend with assistant manager Ian Foster leaving to manage Plymouth Argyle](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/19/00/80172659-12978223-Gerrard_has_also_had_to_contend_with_assistant_manager_Ian_Foste-a-110_1705625750846.jpg)
Gerrard has also had to contend with assistant manager Ian Foster leaving to manage Plymouth Argyle
Henderson's exit isn't the only setback Gerrard has had to deal with this month.
Assistant manager Ian Foster waved goodbye early in January to take up the vacant managerial position at Plymouth Argyle.
Foster moved with Gerrard to Saudi Arabia over the summer after leaving his role as head coach of England's under-20 squad.
Al-Ettifaq's next match is on February 15 against Al-Khaleej as the Saudi Pro League is on an extended break, so there is time for Gerrard, armed with a new deal, to count his losses and reset.
So far this transfer window, they have brought in Haroune Camara and Abdulrahman Al-Oboud on loan from last season's champions Al-Ittihad.