Steven Gerrard has been dealt another blow at Al-Ettifaq after losing one of his key squad players in the transfer window. The Liverpool legend took over the Saudi club in 2023 but endured an underwhelming inaugural season with a sixth-place finish - and things have only gone downhill since.
Gerrard's club are currently just six points away from the Saudi Pro League relegation zone in 11th place, and the 44-year-old's future in Saudi remains in jeopardy. Gerrard's challenge has only intensified following the departure of influential midfielder Seko Fofana, who was on loan from league rivals Al-Nassr.
Having played a pivotal role since joining mid-last season, Fofana is set to leave for French outfit Rennes. Al-Ettifaq released an official statement confirming the move, reading: "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.
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"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."
Fofana is delighted to return to French football after a previous spell with Lens, as he credited club officials for his move to Ligue 1. He 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.
"Discussions with Arnaud Pouille and Frederic Massara made all the difference. They told me about the project and the expectations of the shareholders. The message was strong and the decision was very simple after that."
Fofana also expressed his eagerness to begin playing and boost the club's fortunes, adding: "I'm very excited at the idea of starting out. There are some talented players at Rennes, and I don't think the club is where it should be. We're going to get the chance to play a series of games and show that the start of the season was below the club's potential. I hope we can turn things around very quickly."
It's noted that Fofana's departure isn't the first high-profile exit from Al-Ettifaq, following Jordan Henderson's switch to Ajax after just six months.
Meanwhile, Gerrard continues as manager of the Saudi club despite the increasing scrutiny, as the 44-year-old still has two and a half years left on his contract. Next up for Al-Ettifaq is a league match against 15th-placed side Al-Kholood.
