Steven Gerrard targeted for shock return to English football

Steven Gerrard could be set for a shock return to English football after being placed top of a managerial shortlist.

Gerrard has been out of work since leaving Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq in January 2025 and has since been a regular pundit for TNT Sports.

The Liverpool legend was sensationally linked with an interim management role at Anfield during the Premier League champion’s struggles this season but Arne Slot has steadied the ship and rumours have since died down.

Gerrard claimed he would be prepared to return to Liverpool in any capacity that would help out his former side.

The former Liverpool skipper has not managed in England since being sacked by Aston Villa in October 2022 but could be set to make a shock return with Championship side Burnley.

The Clarets have been relegated from the Premier League under Scott Parker and the former Spurs midfielder’s future remains uncertain.

Discussions have already been held over Parker’s future at Turf Moor and Gerrard has been placed at the top of Burnley’s shortlist if they are to make a change according to Alan Nixon.

Nixon claims Gerrard would ‘jump at the chance’ to move back down south but could face competition for the role.

Steven Gerrard could replace Scott Parker (Getty)

Craig Bellamy is also believed to be in the frame should he decide to leave his post as Wales manager and has been linked with a move to Celtic when Martin O’Neill departs at the end of the season.

Gerrard lifted the Scottish Premiership during his time in charge of Rangers but departed to take the reigns at Villa Park.

The former England international told The Overlap he regrets leaving the Scottish giants.

Gerrard said: “The level was a big jump. Probably didn't realise at the time when I made that decision. In hindsight again, we talk about hindsight, we'd all be great with hindsight, wouldn't we? Would have stayed at Rangers longer, more experience, stay up there for longer.

“So I regret doing it now, sitting here, I didn't at the time. It was tough. Also the conversations with Rangers after we won it, the recruitment and the finance chats that we were having, didn't feel like Rangers were ready to go again.

“It was a bit more of a like, ‘oh, let's settle this and fix that and do that.’ The promises weren’t as strong as I thought they would be. Then the Premier League offer and opportunity comes in, it's tough. It's tough to say no to that.

“I’ve got nothing bad to say about Villa. I need to get that in as well. Villa are a really good club, good people, fantastic facilities. The opportunity was given to me, and it didn’t work out, so that’s on me.”