Steven Gerrard has left his position as manager of Al-Ettifaq after 18 months in charge of the Saudi Arabian club.

The former Liverpool captain, 44, and his staff at the Saudi Pro League club are understood to be in the process of finalising their departure with the club currently 12th in the table and five points above the relegation zone.

Gerrard guided the club to sixth place in the SPL last season, with Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum their captain and other marquee signings including France striker Moussa Dembele and Demarai Gray.

Al-Ettifaq have yet to announce the managerial change but the details of Gerrard’s departure, along with assistant Michael Beale, is expected to be imminent.

It comes a year after Al-Ettifaq backed Gerrard with a new two-year contract to stay at the club until 2027, having appeared under pressure at times during the campaign. He extended his terms when his team were eighth in the table, having finished seventh the previous season.

Last season also saw Jordan Henderson arrive at the club but depart after six months to join Ajax. Gerrard’s departure marks the end of a period where the club turned to Premier League legends to mastermind SPL success. “Without a doubt, Gerrard’s presence will be an addition and a quantum leap to our league,” said Khalid Al-Dabal, the club’s chairman, when Gerrard arrived.

Since returning from the winter break the club lost to Al-Kholood, Al-Ahli Saudi and drew with second-from-bottom Al-Wehda.

It was Gerrard’s third managerial job since retiring in 2016, with his time at Glasgow Rangers bringing them a first title in 10 years in 2020-21.

Gerrard then became Aston Villa manager in November 2021, but left after just 13 wins from his 40 games in charge.