Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Al Ettifaq's manager Steven Gerrard has announced a plan for the January transfer window, aiming to significantly elevate the team's performance in the Roshn Saudi League.

This statement follows Al Ettifaq's recent 3-1 defeat to Al Nassr in Riyadh, a game that saw Mohammed Al Kuwaykibi score a late goal for the team.

Currently eighth in the league, and without a win in their last seven matches, Gerrard has identified the need for substantial reinforcements, particularly in the attack.

He stressed the importance of a robust and decisive approach to the upcoming transfer window, acknowledging the strengths of the current squad but highlighting the gaps exposed by Moussa Dembele's injury absence.

Gerrard emphasized the team's reliance on Dembele, the club's leading scorer, who recently returned from a two-month injury hiatus. The lack of consistent goal-scoring from other players has been a notable issue, which Gerrard aims to address.

Gerrard said: “We have already had important meetings at Al Ettifaq in terms of mid-season updates and where every individual is, and where the group is at.

“The message, in summary, that we have sent is that we need to be aggressive, we need to be ruthless, and we need to make a lot of changes to make this team more competitive.

“We are really happy with a lot of individuals, both foreign and some local players. But if you look at us, once Moussa (Dembele) came out of the team (through injury), the weaknesses in our team have been highlighted, as have the options we had.”

“We need to show in this window, and also the summer window, that we mean business and we want to be competitive at the top of the league, and not where we are at the moment.

“It’s a collective thing — the players here and now need to give more, and people need to step up, and, at the right time, we will hopefully be able to make significant changes to the team and the squad. Hopefully at the back end of January you will see a different, stronger and more competitive squad.”

In addition to transfer plans, Gerrard announced the return of Brazilian forward Vitinho to the squad. Vitinho, who had been sidelined due to injury, is expected to add creativity and goal-scoring ability to the team's attack.

Gerrard's strategy revolves around creating a robust and competitive team by the end of January.

He stressed the importance of collective effort from both current players and new signings. Al Ettifaq's final match before the league break will be a home game against Al Hazem.