Steven Gerrard sees unwanted Al-Ettifaq exit confirmed as Saudi club release statement
Steven Gerrard sees unwanted Al-Ettifaq exit confirmed as Saudi club release statement
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Steven Gerrard has been hit with another Saudi blow after losing one of his Al-Ettifaq stars. The Liverpool icon has endured a difficult number of seasons with the club since being appointed in 2023. His side finished a miserable sixth during his first campaign - and it’s got worse ever since.
Ettifaq are currently 11th and just six points clear of the Saudi Pro League relegation zone. That has seen Gerrard’s position at the club called into question. His task however has not been helped by the exit of midfielder Seko Fofana. The Frenchman joined the side on-loan from Saudi rivals Al-Nassr midway through last season and had been a first-team regular.
But it has now been announced that he has quit the club in a permanent move to French side Rennes. A statement from Al-Ettifaq read: "Ettifaq announces the termination of the loan agreement of the player Seko Fofana, who was loaned from Al-Nassr FC during the last summer transfer window, by mutual consent between both parties.
"The club extends its sincere thanks to the player for his time with the team, wishing him the best of luck in his next challenge. Ettifaq also expresses its gratitude and appreciation of the board of directors and the executives of Al-Nassr FC for their continued and professional cooperation.".
Speaking after completing his move back to France having previously represented Lens, Fofana said: “I'm very happy to be joining Stade Rennais and starting 2025 with this new challenge. I've always kept a close eye on Stade Rennais, and it's a club that I've met many times.
