Utilizing his extensive network of contacts, the former Ibrox manager has been in Saudi Arabia.
Jim McAllister, a former Rangers kitman, was recruited to Ettifaq by Gerrard, while coach Tom Culshaw also relocated to the Middle East to collaborate with the former Liverpool captain.
As part of Gerrard’s plan, Andy Firth, who signed with Rangers, also joined the Saudi Pro League team as a goalkeeping coach.
In addition, Gerrard made use of his connections at Liverpool, as Gini Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson joined the team under his direction.
In his first transfer window, the former Rangers manager even brought in two former Celtic players to Al-Ettifaq: Moussa Dembele and Jack Hendry.
According to recent reports, Gerrard wanted to sign Fashion Sakala, a player he initially signed with Rangers, as a transfer.
The Scottish Sun claims that there are many rumors in Saudi Arabia regarding Gerrard’s desire to reunite with the forward from Zambia.
On Monday, rumors circulated that Sakala would go from Al-Fayha to Ettifaq in order to collaborate with Gerrard.
Demerai Gray is a strong candidate to leave Ettifaq during the transfer window, but any move would need to be made possible by a transfer out for one of the team’s overseas players.
But Gray’s move never happened, and he is still with the Ettifaq team this year.
Following a goalless draw against Gerrard in Saudi Arabia, Sakala ran into his former manager.
It’s always nice to watch the man who put his belief in me playing for the Rangers, he said. It was lovely to see him, and I had a good time with him. It’s unfortunate that I wasn’t able to score because I truly wanted to! It’s just bad luck. Meeting such legends in the game and receiving wise counsel from him never fails to please.
“I’m having a great time performing in Saudi Arabia. The league is top-notch. It was sad that I did not score on Saturday, as I was really looking forward to doing so. The team played really well, and I gave it my all.”
Sakala would go on to trouble his former manager in the clubs’ subsequent encounter, though, as he scored two goals.
GET MORE NEWS HERE
Be the first to comment