Rangers and the 49ers Enterprises have identified their preferred managerial target at Ibrox to arrive ahead of the 2025/26 season.
49ers agree deal in principle for Rangers takeover
It has been a whirlwind start to 2025 for Rangers, with the club sacking Philippe Clement and bringing in former captain Barry Ferguson as interim boss until the end of the season.
Away from the pitch, there has also been movement at boardroom level, with the 49ers Enterprises agreeing a deal in principle to take over at Rangers, looking to buy a 51% stake in the club.
Andrew Cavenagh, a health insurance tycoon, and Paraag Marathe, chairman of Leeds United, are two key figures behind a potential takeover, which has been discussed behind the scenes since October.
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Everyone involved is confident a deal can be finalised before the start of the 2025/26 season, where Rangers will be hoping they have a new permanent manager in the Ibrox dugout.
A number of names have been suggested as potential candidates to replace Clement at Rangers, including Derek McInnes of Kilmarnock and former Huddersfield Town boss David Wagner.
Rafael Benitez has also been mentioned as a possible target, and a new update has shown that the 49ers have their eye on the Spaniard.
49ers and Rangers make Benitez preferred manager target
According to The Chronicle Live, relaying reports from The Daily Record, Rangers are indeed looking at a move for Benitez. The report says ‘sources close to the club have claimed that Benitez is being discussed as the preferred option to take the Ibrox hotseat’.
The 64-year-old, who has been out of work for 12 months, was once described as “excellent” during his time at Everton by Sam Allardyce and appears to be the current top target in Glasgow. He’s also admitted he is on the search for the right opportunity to return.
Benitez almost moved to Brazil with Botafogo and said earlier this year: “Yes, it was very close. I had a very good conversation with the owner and also the director of football. They impressed me because they were very ambitious. But it was too far away. Then you have to analyse all the details, and my family is here. I was very happy with the approach because I liked the way that they approached. Very professional. And the ideas were very good.
“I have had a lot of offers during the year. But I was always waiting for the Premier League because it’s the league that I like. You have to choose the right opportunity and hopefully it will come soon.”
Benitez, who plays a 4-4-2 system, has never managed in Scotland, but if the 49ers get their way, that could soon change ahead of the new season, making this one to watch.
