Brendan Rodgers has been appointed head coach of Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah, stepping into a role laden with lofty expectations as he embarks on a fresh chapter in the Middle East.

The 52-year-old Northern Irishman, who most recently resigned from Celtic in October 2025, arrives at a club determined to break into the elite ranks of Saudi football and compete with the established powerhouse teams backed by significant investment.

Rodgers inherits a squad currently placed mid-table but well resourced, reflecting the club’s ambition to transform into a major force in Asian football.

Al-Qadsiah’s chief executive hailed Rodgers’ wealth of experience and winning record as aligning with the club’s long-term strategic vision, a message echoed by the sporting director who emphasised the manager’s philosophy as a strong fit for the project.

Rodgers arrives amid a Saudi football landscape that has drawn several high-profile British figures, yet past ventures by celebrated coaches have produced mixed results, underscoring the challenge he now faces.

The club’s ownership by Saudi state-owned Aramco and recent heavy investment in players such as striker Mateo Retegui signal serious intent, but also heighten expectations for silverware and upward league movement.

Rodgers’ record includes campaign highlights across the English Premier League and Scottish Premiership, including title successes with Celtic and notable achievements with Liverpool and Leicester City, where his tactical approach and attacking style earned acclaim.

His return to management in Saudi Arabia comes after an acrimonious exit from Celtic, and offers both a professional reset and a platform to shape a club’s ascent in a rapidly expanding football milieu.

The Saudi Pro League continues to attract global coaching and playing talent, positioning Rodgers at the forefront of a project that could redefine his legacy beyond European shores.