Rangers' manager search chaos continues! Move for Kevin Muscat collapses after Steven Gerrard snub as candidate who had dropped out of race to replace Russell Martin re-emerges as frontrunner

According to Sky Sports, Rohl is now close to being appointed as the club’s new head coach following the collapse of talks with Muscat. The 36-year-old German, who had previously withdrawn from the process, has jumped back to the top of the shortlist and is expected to be officially announced soon.

Rangers had been in advanced talks with Muscat, but his obligations to Shanghai Port in China and contractual concerns caused the talks to halt. As a result, the Gers were forced to reconsider their options. Rohl, who had reportedly impressed the board during earlier talks, was quickly back in contention once the move for Muscat reached an impasse.

The former Sheffield Wednesday manager has now held positive discussions with Ibrox officials, and Ben Jacobs has indicated that an agreement is edging closer. While final details are still being ironed out, it is understood that Rohl’s arrival could be confirmed in the coming days. If finalised, his appointment would end a turbulent managerial search that has rumbled on since Russell Martin’s dismissal earlier this month.

Rangers’ managerial search has been drawn out since the dismissal of Martin on October 5, and the Gers faced mounting criticism from supporters for the lack of clarity and direction in their decision-making. Martin’s disastrous 123-day tenure left Rangers languishing eighth in the Scottish Premiership table, well behind leaders Hearts, and out of the Champions League in the qualifying stage.

Rangers’ leadership had initially pursued several high-profile targets, including Steven Gerrard, who ruled himself out of contention, and Muscat, whose candidacy collapsed despite advanced negotiations. As frustration built among the fanbase, the signing of Rohl could mark a pivotal moment in the club’s attempts to reassert control of their season.

Behind the scenes, Rangers’ hierarchy are said to have been impressed by Rohl’s tactical clarity and communication skills, as well as his experience working under elite managers at Bayern Munich and with the German national team.

Rohl’s rise through the coaching ranks has been rapid and impressive. At just 36, he has already built a diverse resume that includes stints as an assistant coach at RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich and under Hansi Flick with the German national team. His first managerial role came at Sheffield Wednesday, where he guided the team out of relegation trouble before leading them to a mid-table finish in the Championship.

Should he take charge at Ibrox, Rohl would be tasked with stabilising a squad that has struggled for form and consistency. His challenge will not only involve steadying domestic form but also reviving the club’s faltering Europa League campaign, where Rangers remain winless in the league phase after defeats to Genk and Sturm Graz.

With talks now believed to be at an advanced stage, Rangers are expected to confirm Rohl’s appointment before Thursday’s Europa League fixture against Brann. The club’s board is keen to have a new manager in place to oversee training and restore morale after a turbulent few weeks. Should the deal be finalised after Thrusday, Rohl’s first match in charge could come at the weekend against Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.