Steven Gerrard targeted for shock return to English football with Burnley interest

April 27, 2026 Oliver Obel

Steven Gerrard could be in line for a return to English football, with the former England captain reportedly under consideration for a managerial role at Burnley following their relegation from the Premier League.

The 43-year-old has been out of management since leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in January 2025. Since then, he has taken on a regular punditry role with TNT Sports while weighing up his next move.

According to journalist Alan Nixon, cited by SportBible, Gerrard is among the frontrunners if Burnley decide to part ways with current manager Scott Parker. The club is reviewing its direction after dropping into the Championship, and uncertainty remains over Parker’s future at Turf Moor.

The report suggests Gerrard would be open to the opportunity and keen to return to English football, although he is not the only name being considered.

Burnley are said to be exploring multiple options, with Wales manager Craig Bellamy also linked to the role. Bellamy, however, has been mentioned in connection with a possible vacancy at Celtic, which could influence his decision.

Gerrard’s last managerial role in England came with Aston Villa, where he was dismissed in October 2022. Prior to that, he enjoyed significant success at Rangers, guiding the Scottish club to the Premiership title and ending Celtic’s nine-year dominance.

Reflecting on his decision to leave Rangers for the Premier League, Gerrard has since acknowledged he may have moved too soon.

Speaking on The Overlap, he said: “The level was a big jump. Probably didn't realise at the time when I made that decision. In hindsight again, we talk about hindsight, we'd all be great with hindsight, wouldn't we? Would have stayed at Rangers longer, more experience, stay up there for longer.

“So I regret doing it now, sitting here, I didn't at the time. It was tough. Also the conversations with Rangers after we won it, the recruitment and the finance chats that we were having, didn't feel like Rangers were ready to go again.

“It was a bit more of a like, ‘oh, let's settle this and fix that and do that.’ The promises weren’t as strong as I thought they would be. Then the Premier League offer and opportunity comes in, it's tough. It's tough to say no to that.

“I’ve got nothing bad to say about Villa. I need to get that in as well. Villa are a really good club, good people, fantastic facilities. The opportunity was given to me, and it didn’t work out, so that’s on me.”

Earlier in the season, Gerrard was briefly linked with a temporary return to Liverpool during a difficult spell under Arne Slot. However, those rumors faded as results improved. Gerrard has previously said he would be willing to help his former club “in any capacity,” though no formal approach was made.

A move to Burnley would mark his first return to the English game in nearly three years and offer a chance to rebuild his managerial career in the Championship.

Sources: SportBible, Alan Nixon, The Overlap