Jurgen Klopp Touted as Shock Contender to Replace Barry Ferguson at Rangers
Jurgen Klopp has emerged as a surprise name linked with the Rangers managerial job, with Barry Ferguson expected to step aside at the end of the season following the club’s early Europa League exit.
Incoming owners Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe—on the verge of finalising a takeover at Ibrox—are preparing to make sweeping changes, starting with the managerial position. Kevin Thelwell, who recently departed Everton, is reportedly set to become the new sporting director, marking the first significant move under the US consortium’s regime.
Thelwell’s experience, particularly in guiding Everton through financial challenges and his previous stint as New York Red Bulls’ director of football, has been well received. His ties to the Red Bull football network, shared by Marathe through his role with Leeds United, have sparked speculation that Rangers could look to the Red Bull ecosystem for their next manager.
Speaking on Coffee Club FC (23 April), Roger Hannah commented: “It wouldn’t surprise me, given that Kevin Thelwell has a Red Bull link, if it’s someone who is a known quantity to the people who are coming in.”
This prompted fellow journalist Bill Leckie to float Klopp’s name, noting the former Liverpool boss’ current role as Red Bull’s global head of soccer. However, Hannah quickly played down the idea, suggesting Real Madrid would be a more likely destination for the German.
Leckie conceded Klopp may be out of reach but noted: “That is where you start from if you’re going to bid for somebody who’s in Red Bull. There are a lot of very good coaches and managers in the Red Bull stable.”
While Klopp joining Rangers remains a long shot, Cavenagh and Marathe appear determined to appoint a high-profile manager once their takeover is completed. Reports indicate that a deal to secure a 51% controlling stake is nearing completion, setting the stage for a new era at Ibrox.
