Steven Gerrard's Return To Management Hits Unexpected Stumbling Block

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard's return to management has reportedly hit a major stumbling block.

Gerrard has been out of work since leaving Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq by mutual consent in January after 18 months in charge.

He held talks with Rangers over a return to the club following Russell Martin's sacking in October.

Gerrard held advanced talks over taking the role but decided to pull out of the process, with the Gers holding unsuccessful discussions with Kevin Muscat before appointing Danny Rohl as manager.

The 45-year-old told TNT Sports earlier this month that he was 'very close' to a Rangers return, but said: "It felt a bit rushed to me because I had my family in Bahrain at the time. I had a lot to think about in a short space of time to give a decision.

"There were a few things I was uncertain about, and if I am going to take a challenge that big and that important, I have got that affection and that connection with Rangers... for me to take that on again it would have to be perfect and I had to be 100 per cent ready."

"My heart was 100% there"

Steven Gerrard discusses the rumours surrounding him and the Rangers job and his 'connection' with the fans there... ❤️

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According to talkSPORT, Gerrard is said to be unlikely to make a return to English football in a managerial role before spring 2026.

It is claimed that, as per sources with knowledge of the tax situation in Saudi Arabia, Gerrard would have to repay as much of 45 per cent of his earnings if he relocated to the UK permanently before a certain date.

The current 2025/26 tax year runs until April.

Gerrard has found a new role in the meantime, as he occasionally appears on TNT Sports' coverage of Premier League football.

The major dilemma for Gerrard could be whether he chooses to forego some of the vast sums he earned in Saudi Arabia in order to return to management.

He reportedly earned a salary of around £15 million per year during his time in the Middle East.

In his inaugural season in charge, Al Ettifaq finished sixth in the Saudi Pro League, having won 12 and drawn 12 of their 32 matches.

They only scored 43 goals, however, and went on a winless run of eight matches between November and December.

Last season, at the time of his departure, Al Ettifaq had won five of their 17 matches and were only five points above the relegation zone.