Rafa Benitez shares what he’s heard about being next Rangers manager amid major news
Rangers are on the hunt for a new permanent manager following the sacking of Philippe Clement.
The Ibrox giants have failed to keep up with their arch-rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership race and are trailing Brendan Rodgers’ side by 16 points.
Rangers have been trying to end Celtic’s dominance over the Scottish Premiership as the Bhoys are on a three-year title winning streak and are on course to win their fourth consecutive league title.
The Light Blues are reportedly on the hunt for a new manager following the sack of Clement in February.
Rafa Benitez to take over at Ibrox?
Following Clement’s departure, Barry Ferguson was announced as Rangers’ interim manager. In three games as the Rangers boss, he has guided them to two wins and suffered one defeat.
With widespread talks of 49ers Enterprises looking to acquire a 51% stake in Rangers, the prospective new owners would want a big name manager as a statement signing to takeover the reins at Ibrox.
Former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has been heavily linked with the role. The Spaniard has been out of work since his sacking at Celta Vigo in 2024.
It appears that the former Everton boss is aware of the links to the Rangers managerial job.
Benitez was present at a UEFA coaching course in Geneva where he met Morton manager Dougie Imrie. The Cappielow boss was fortunate to have a one-to-one conversation with the Spaniard and the duo did end up discussing the Rangers job.
Imrie was asked if Benitez was aware of the Ibrox opening, to which the Morton manager stated that the 64-year-old was aware of the links.
Imrie told the Scottish Sun: “He said he had heard the speculation but that is as far as he went. Who knows…although I did put my CV in to be his assistant manager!”
Rangers valuation revealed amidst possible takeover
It’s no secret that the 49ers are looking to buy a controlling stake in the Glaswegian club. The American consortium also owns Championship side Leeds United and are looking to expand their football ownership footprint to Scotland with the acquisition of Rangers.
Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe has been heavily involved in talks and there is an agreement in principle with due diligence expected to take place soon.
The Light Blues are valued to be around £150 million, so a 51% stake in the club would cost 49ers a little over £75 million.