Rangers given Manu Fajardo answer, has been ‘best in last 20 years’ – Exclusive
Rangers have identified Real Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo to replace Kevin Thelwell.
The Gers recently sacked Kevin Thelwell and Patrick Stewart, and the hierarchy will now arguably need to fill those vacancies sooner rather than later.
Fajardo has attracted interest at Ibrox after his impressive work at Estadio Benito Villamarin, and it’s understandable to see why after the work he’s done in Spain.
The 40-year-old has been at Betis for a while now, taking a risk signing the likes of Antony, who has transformed the Spanish club’s attack after struggling at Manchester United.
Manu Fajardo going nowhere amid Rangers links
Fajardo isn’t leaving Betis as things stand, despite interest from the Gers and elsewhere.
Sources close to the LaLiga outfit’s sporting director have revealed the he admires Los Verdiblancos and is satisfied with his situation in Andalusia.
Fajardo has arguably been Betis’ best sporting director in the last 20 years as they continue to take strides in the league and Europe.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, a Sevilla-based journalist who wished to remain anonymous said: “I can tell you right now that as of today, he’s not leaving Betis. Besides being the sporting director, he’s a Betis fan, so he’s happy here. But of course, he deserves to be wanted by big clubs. I know he’s wanted by teams in Italy and the Premier League.”
He added: “He’s been Betis’ best sporting director of the last 20 years. Antony, Pablo Fornals, Johnny Cardoso, Giovani Lo Celso, Sofyan Amrabat, Valentin Gomez… they’re all his signings. He’s also a great locker room manager. In that respect, he’s a key figure.”
Ibrox hierarchy need years after what Kevin Thelwell did
Fajardo has shown impeccable judgment at Betis, and it’s safe to say Andrew Cavenagh could potentially be the right man to clean up the mess at the Gers.
Thelwell signed 12 players at Rangers last season, and apart from Djeidi Gassama and Jayden Meghoma, none of the others have arguably lived up to expectations.
| Players | Transfer fee |
| Youssef Chermiti | £8m |
| Oliver Antman | £3.5m |
| Thelo Aasgaard | £3.5m |
| Bojan Miovski | £2.6m |
| Emmanuel Fernandez | £2.5m |
The Light Blues may be entering the winter transfer window needing a squad overhaul, but it will undoubtedly take time to get rid of the unwanted players brought in by the previous sporting director at Ibrox.
Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises have to get future appointments right at the Glaswegian outfit; otherwise, they risk repeating the same mistakes seen in the summer.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @ibroxnews247