Steven Gerrard now in major contention to take Premier League manager's job by 1 January

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Credit: IMAGO Mon 8 December 2025 15:00, UK Steven Gerrard could be in line for a shock return to the Premier League after nearly a year without work.Following a stint at Aston Villa between November 2021 and October 2022, the former Liverpool midfielder could now be in line to make a comeback at management for a second time in the Premier League.The 45-year-old has been linked with several clubs since leaving Al-Ettifaq in January, with sources telling Football Insider that Gerrard had been one of Leeds’ favourite candidates to replace Daniel Farke prior to their promotion to the English top-flight.Conversely, Gerrard turned down the opportunity to return to Rangers following Russell Martin’s sacking, after a fruitful spell at the club before he headed to Villa Park.Credit: Getty ImagesSteven Gerrard emerges as potential successor to Arne Slot at LiverpoolAmid the public discontent between Arne Slot and Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool board are considering all their options ahead of the second half of the season.The Reds have already lost more games (six) after 15 matches then they did for the whole of their 2024-25 title-winning campaign in the Premier League (four).Anfield is bearing the brunt of a transitional season, due to heavy spending over the summer and a distinct lack of cohesion from both management and the squad, which has garnered progressively poorer results. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES As a result, one major bookmaker has reacted as whispers of Slot losing his job at Liverpool grow ever stronger ahead of the turn of the new year.Credit: ImagoGerrard has raced into the lead as the favourite to succeed the ex-Feyenoord boss by 1 January if he is to be sacked, coming in at 6/1.Conversely, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is in second place at 7/1, closely followed by under-pressure Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso at 8/1.Liverpool to contemplate bringing in fan favourite to lead team back to gloryWhile Slot’s first season on Merseyside was a great success, supporters and the board were most likely unprepared for the catastrophic title defence this campaign, as the Premier League trophy continues to slip further and further away from their grasp.Credit: IMAGOThe decision to potentially part with the Dutchman would be a bold move by the Reds’ board, but who they decide to bring in will be even more important.Appointing Gerrard would signal a drastic push to go down the route of bringing back ex-Liverpool players as managers.The red half of Merseyside is familiar with this notion, with the likes of club icon Sir Kenny Dalglish taking over from January 2011 to May 2012, as well as Graeme Souness from April 1991 to January 1994.