Steven Gerrard is closing in on a return to Liverpool after the club’s under-23s coach Michael Beale prepared for a move to São Paulo.
Beale, who has been at Liverpool since 2012, is close to becoming assistant manager to Rogério Ceni, according to Rio’s O Globo newspaper. The 43-year-old former goalkeeper has identified Beale as the man he wants to be his No2 with a deal expected to be completed next week in Brazil. The pair are believed to have met at an English Football Association course for coaches in Liverpool last September.
Beale’s impending departure is not directly connected to Gerrard’s return but a vacancy would mean a reshuffle at the Kirkby academy. Gerrard has long been linked with a return to Liverpool after leaving LA Galaxy last month and the Anfield legend, while working towards his Uefa badges, seems ready to work within the academy.
The former Liverpool and England captain announced his retirement from football last month, ending his 19-year playing career. Gerrard made 710 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 186 goals and winning eight major trophies, including the Champions League in 2005, before joining LA Galaxy in 2015.
O Globo reported that Beale has already travelled to Brazil and watched his new side with Ceni last Sunday in an under-20s tournament. Beale’s exit represents something of a blow for Liverpool after helping to bring through Ben Woodburn, the 17-year-old who became the club’s youngest goal-scorer in the 2-0 EFL Cup win over Leeds United.
