Al-Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard and Liverpool

Steven Gerrard linked with bringing 2 more Liverpool stars to Al-Ettifaq

Aditya Singh

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is monitoring defender Joe Gomez and Joel Matip for a potential transfer to Al-Ettifaq.

The Saudi Arabian side appointed Gerrard as manager last summer. He signed former Reds captain Jordan Henderson as his first big signing for the club. The Englishman is now planning to bring in more reinforcements to his side, who see themselves eight in the Saudi Pro League.

As per Ben Jacobs, Al-Ettifaq’s list includes Liverpool duo Gomez and Matip. He told Caught Offside:

“Ettifaq are exploring a range of ambitious options both in January and this summer to bolster Gerrard’s squad. Two Al-Ettifaq targets for this window are Fenerbahce’s Ryan Kent and Al-Hilal’s Abdulellah Al-Malki.

Steven Gerrard was part of a three-hour recruitment meeting on Monday where Liverpool’s Joel Matip and Joe Gomez, and Villa’s Bertrand Traore, were also discussed for summer 2024.”

Also Read: Top done deals of January transfer window 2024 so far

Matip had fallen in the pecking order at Anfield behind Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk, having made just 14 appearances across competitions this season. Moreover, he has suffered an ACL injury and is expected to miss the remainder of the season.

His contract with Liverpool expires in the summer and he could be allowed to leave on a free transfer.

Gomez, meanwhile, has operated in multiple positions for the Reds this season due to their injury issues. He has made 27 appearances across competitions, playing as a left-back, right-back, and central defender. He is contracted at Anfield until 2027.

Gerrard’s job at Al-Ettifaq is reportedly under pressure, with his side without a win in their last nine games across competitions. He needs big reinforcements in January itself to turn around their form when the Saudi Pro League season resumes in February.

Liverpool, meanwhile, sit atop the Premier League table and are competing in the FA Cup, EFL Cup, and the UEFA Europa League. With their injury issues, they are unlikely to part ways with Gomez or Matip in the ongoing January transfer window at least.