Muscat Deal to Be Rangers Boss Off: Ibrox Turns to New Options After Talks Collapse
In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves through Scottish football, Kevin Muscat will not be the next Rangers manager, despite being heavily linked with the Ibrox hot seat in recent weeks.
The former Yokohama F. Marinos boss had emerged as a frontrunner to replace Michael Beale, whose tenure came to an end after a string of disappointing performances. Talks between Muscat and the Rangers board were believed to be at an advanced stage earlier this week, with multiple reports suggesting that a deal was close. However, sources inside the club have now confirmed that negotiations have collapsed and that Rangers are exploring alternative candidates.
Why the Deal Collapsed
While Rangers have yet to issue an official statement, insiders indicate that a combination of contractual disagreements and differing visions for the clubโs future led to the breakdown.
Muscat, known for his intense, high-pressing style of football and ties to the Ange Postecoglou coaching tree, was reportedly keen on having significant autonomy over recruitment and coaching staff โ a request the Rangers board were not fully comfortable granting.
A source close to the negotiations told *The Herald*, โThere was mutual respect, but ultimately, the vision wasnโt aligned. Kevin wanted assurances that the club wasnโt ready to give. Itโs unfortunate, but both parties are moving on.โ
The news has left many Rangers supporters frustrated. Muscat, a title winner in both Japan and Australia, brought an intriguing blend of tactical acumen and managerial pedigree that excited large sections of the Ibrox faithful.
โHe seemed like the fresh start we needed โ someone who could bring a modern identity to the team,โ said John Mitchell, a member of the Rangers Supporters Trust. โNow weโre back to square one.โ
Some fans, however, have welcomed the decision, pointing to Muscatโs relative inexperience in European football and the high-pressure environment that comes with managing Rangers.
With Muscat out of the picture, attention turns to other potential candidates. Former Rangers captain and interim manager Steven Davis is still overseeing first-team affairs but is not expected to be offered the job full-time. Kjetil Knutsen of Bodรธ/Glimt, Pascal Jansen from AZ Alkmaar, and even a sensational return for Steven Gerrard have been mentioned โ though the latter seems unlikely.
The Rangers board, under pressure to stabilise the club’s fortunes both domestically and in Europe, are expected to act swiftly, but carefully. With the Scottish Premiership race heating up and Europa League group stage fixtures on the horizon, time is not on their side.
As the search continues, one thing is clear: the Muscat era at Ibrox will be one that never was โ a near miss that may define what comes next for Rangers Football Club.