Brendan Rodgers, who early in his coaching career had a brief spell as manager of Reading FC, has been appointed head coach of Saudi Pro League side Al‑Qadsiah.
The 52‑year‑old Northern Irish coach has signed a deal to take charge of the Aramco‑backed club, marking the start of a new chapter in his managerial career. Rodgers’s appointment was confirmed on Tuesday, with Al‑Qadsiah’s chief executive describing it as a “landmark moment” in the Saudi club’s sporting project.
Rodgers’s early coaching journey took him to Reading in 2009, when he had a short, but unsuccessful spell at the club before going on to manage in the Premier League and Scotland.
He has also coached at Swansea City, Liverpool and Leicester City, as well as two successful spells at Celtic, where he won multiple major honours.
Al‑Qadsiah currently sit fifth in the Saudi top flight and are investing heavily in their squad and infrastructure, including plans for a new stadium. The club hopes Rodgers’s experience in European football and his attacking style will help them climb the league and compete for honours.
In his first comments since the move, Rodgers said he was “excited” by the challenge of coaching in the Roshn Saudi League, a competition that has attracted high‑profile talent and managers in recent years. He outlined ambitions to play attractive football while aiming for improved results and silverware.
Rodgers takes over from Michel Gonzalez and will oversee his first match later this month. His contract runs until 2028.
Supporters in the UK and beyond will now watch to see how the former Reading boss adapts to football in the Middle East, a move that reflects both his desire for new challenges and the growing international profile of the Saudi Pro League.
