“The reality is that money talks” – Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler highlights factors behind Steven Gerrard’s move to the Saudi Pro League

Gerrad's side Al-Ettifaq sit 8th in the SPL table.

“The reality is that money talks” – Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler highlights factors behind Steven Gerrard’s move to the Saudi Pro League

Robbie Fowler defended Steven Gerrard's decision to move to Saudi. (Image via GOAL and Screengrab from Podcast via YT)

Former Liverpool icon, Robbie Fowler commented upon his former teammate, Steven Gerrard’s move to the Saudi Pro League to take over the reins of Al-Ettifaq, suggesting that significant financial incentives are a major driving force behind the exodus of top players and managers to the affluent Middle Eastern league.

Robbie Fowler, who previously managed a Saudi First Division team, Al-Qadsiah, discussed this during an interview on the podcast ‘Up Front with Simon Jordan.’ When questioned about the motives behind footballers relocating to the Middle East and their plans, Fowler supported the decisions of Steven Gerrard and former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson to move to Saudi Arabia, despite its human rights issues. He mentioned that Gerrard, who found success with Rangers but faced challenges at Aston Villa, opted to take up opportunities at Al-Ettifaq.

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During the podcast, when discussing Steven Gerrard’s managerial potential, he mentioned that despite Gerrard’s challenges at Aston Villa, Saudi Arabia could allow him to succeed and potentially return to England. Moreover, he added that money was a prominent driving force behind Gerrard’s move to Saudi, presenting an appealing incentive. Gerrard’s reported annual earnings of £15.2 million at Al-Ettifaq make him the fourth-highest-paid football manager globally.

FS Video
Will Steven Gerrard be a top manager? Yes, I think he will be. I like Steven, I like him as a person and as a manager. He wasn’t brilliant at Aston Villa but he’ll tell you that himself, and that is why it’s important for him to go to Saudi and do well.
Robbie Fowler on ‘Up Front with Simon Jordan’ Podcast

Fowler further added to clear up his ‘mate’ Gerrard’s intentions of going to Saudi Arabia. He said:

The reality is that money talks, and I don’t think he’s gone there to get back into the Premier League. I think for players and managers who go over there they’re thinking about the now, I don’t think they’re thinking about the future.

The Saudi League has emerged as an enticing option for global footballers, drawing in prominent names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Neymar Jr., and numerous others. Over two years, the SPL has experienced significant growth, its value increasing to £435 million, with clubs providing players and management with lucrative sums.

Gerrard wishes to sign former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino

Steven Gerrard managed Al-Ettifaq have failed to meet expectations, as the club occupies the 8th position on the Saudi Pro League table, despite having big names like Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Moussa Dembele in their ranks. Gerrard has expressed his desire to sign Al-Ahli forward, Roberto Firmino to address the club’s front-line issues.

Gerrard considers former Liverpool forward Firmino as a potential target
Gerrard considers former Liverpool forward Firmino as a potential target. (Image via Irish Mirror)

The pressure is mounting on former Liverpool captain Gerrard from the club’s authorities as Al-Ettifaq struggles to improve their form in the Saudi side. Gerrard emphasizes the need for a change in attacking options for the team, highlighting the potential arrival of Roberto Firmino, a former Liverpool striker he regards as a ‘genius’.

He has been a long-time admirer of Firmino, who scored 111 goals in 362 appearances for Liverpool before departing in the summer of 2023. Despite Firmino’s challenging start at Al-Ahli, Gerrard believes the Brazilian could significantly impact Al-Ettifaq’s setup and structure.

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