Gerrard, a former captain of Liverpool, had reportedly waived half of his contract with Al-Ettifaq, which was worth £10 million. This was a mutually agreed decision between Gerrard and the club. If Al-Ettifaq had been relegated, it could have negatively impacted Gerrard's managerial career.

Gerrard is now considering his next move in management, having previously managed Rangers and Aston Villa.