Rangers fans are still left in the dark about who will be managing their team when the 2025-26 Scottish Premiership season kicks off. However, one thing is certain: this is a season that everyone hopes will see significant improvement in the boardroom. Much anticipation surrounds the potential US takeover, which Rangers are hoping will be officially announced by this summer. The incoming ownership is likely to have a list of potential candidates lined up to take over from Philippe Clement, who will be succeeded after his interim replacement, Barry Ferguson, guided the team to the Europa League quarter-finals. Ferguson is expected to see out the current season as the manager.
Ferguson’s tenure has certainly added to his credentials, with the former Rangers captain stepping in to manage Ibrox this season. While there have been some difficult moments, particularly at home, there have also been highlights that, in fairness, Philippe Clement could also take credit for—albeit inconsistently. On talkSPORT on the morning of April 23, Alan Brazil criticized one manager who was being suggested for the job, a manager Ferguson is now increasingly familiar with.
The night before, European football broadcaster Kevin Hatchard had raised the possibility of Jose Mourinho becoming a candidate for the Rangers job, linking the Fenerbahce boss to the role. Brazil quickly dismissed the idea of Mourinho taking over at Ibrox as a long-term solution, defending Ferguson’s performance during his time in charge. “Many managers are now linked with the job. Why not give it to Barry, he’s done a good job?” Brazil remarked. “Kevin Hatchard joined the Sports Bar last night and linked a certain – don’t be silly, Kev! – ‘Special One’ [Mourinho] to the job.”
While Mourinho has made it clear that he could leave Fenerbahce soon, his potential move to Rangers would come with a hefty price tag, something that the incoming US owners would need to consider carefully.
As the European season winds down and domestic competitions become a distant focus for Rangers, fans are turning their attention to the progress of the US takeover. The American consortium hopes to make a significant impact by investing in the club and taking a 51% controlling stake. With new ownership on the horizon, they will likely have their own ideas about who should manage the team. Ferguson will likely have discussions with the new owners, but the hope is to have a permanent manager in place before the squad returns for pre-season. Additionally, Kevin Thelwell has already been confirmed as the new sporting director, arriving from Everton.
As the managerial situation remains uncertain, Rangers are also likely to undergo a significant transfer overhaul. The recruitment team, currently headed by Nils Koppen, is eager to determine the level of funding they will have at their disposal. However, Koppen himself could soon be on his way out as part of the ongoing reshuffle under Thelwell’s leadership.
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