Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard sees Al-Ettifaq exit confirmed as club issues statement
Steven Gerrard has suffered a major blow at Al-Ettifaq with key midfielder Seko Fofana ending his loan spell at the club in order to sign for French side Rennes. Late into 2024, reports began emerging of a Fofana exit and that has now been confirmed by the relevant parties.
The Ivory Coast international linked up with Gerrard in Saudi Arabia just under 12 months ago when he made a temporary switch from Al-Nassr for the first half of 2024
Having impressed in that spell, which included scoring two goals and grabbing three assists under Gerrard, the agreement with Al-Nassr was extended into the 2024/25 campaign with the 29-year-old having started 11 Saudi Pro League games this season.
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An impressive 90-minute display arrived in the 2-1 win over Al-Khaleej in early December, which took some pressure off Gerrard following nine league games without a win, but that looks to have been Fofana's last appearance under the Liverpool legend.
On New Year's Day, Al-Ettifaq released a club statement confirming that Fofana would be returning to Al-Nassr. Their post to X 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."
The experienced midfielder has since departed the Middle East on a permanent basis having agreed a return to France where he will play for Rennes. The departure of Fofana will come as a major blow for Gerrard given his mixed fortunes at Ettifaq and the gap Fofana will undoubtedly leave in his midfield.
While Gerrard remained in a job, the club did announce the exit of both Mark Allen and Dean Holden with Gerrard's former assistant Michael Beale coming in. Following a winter break, Ettifaq are back in action next Friday when they face Al Kholood in league action.
