There have been a lot of links between Everton and Rangers recently.
Former Everton director Kevin Thelwell joined Rangers in the summer and took Youssef Chermiti with him to Ibrox.
Sean Dyche has been linked with the vacant Rangers job after manager Russell Martin was sacked over the weekend.
Another former Toffees boss Frank Lampard has been mooted to join the Scottish giants and now there’s another link between the two clubs emerging.
Former Everton manager Rafa Benitez.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Simon Jordan tips Rafa Benitez to join Rangers
Simon Jordan was asked who his pick would be to replace Martin at Rangers, and he suggested former Everton boss Rafa Benitez.
“I thought it was a flawed decision to bring him into Everton because of his association with Liverpool. But there is no doubt, for me, he is one tier off the elite managers.
“Ultimately, his last job at Celta Vigo wasn’t particularly successful, but I think if you put someone like Benitez into Rangers, if they wanted to write a cheque out for Benitez, then you would be not too far away from being successful.
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“I think he knows his way around, he’s a very capable operator. I doubt it will happen because Rangers won’t want to pay what Benitez wants in his salary but then depends how serious you are about wanting to be successful.”
Rafa Benitez was close to becoming AEK Athens manager
Benitez has been out of work since leaving Celta Vigo in March 2024 but he was very close to making a move to Greece earlier this year.
Benitez was on the verge of joining AEK Athens in May, however, that job fell through towards the final stages of negotiations.
The 65-year-old would certainly be able to handle the pressure at Ibrox, given his previous high-profile jobs, so perhaps he will be considered.
Plus, he has a good record in the Europa League, having won it with Valencia and Chelsea, so Rangers would instantly carry more belief in the competition.