Former Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez is currently out of work.
The 64-year-old has had three different clubs since his contract expired at Newcastle United, managing Dalian Professional, Everton and Celta Vigo.
However, he is currently without a club. Rafa Benitez was sacked by Celta Vigo in March 2024, picking up 24 points from his 28 matches in charge.
Earlier this year, Benitez rejected an offer from Botafogo, opting against a move to the Brazilian club.
Now the Spaniard could have another chance to return to management.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Rangers interested in former Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
Scottish Premiership side Rangers recently sacked Philippe Clement, with Barry Ferguson taking over as interim manager until the end of the season.
In the meantime, Rangers are on the brink of being taken over by US investors. A consortium led by American businessman Andrew Cavenagh has agreed a deal in principle to buy the club, and they are already looking at potential managers to call the shots at Ibrox.
According to the Daily Record, the incoming Rangers owners are interested in speaking to Benitez about being the club’s next manager.
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The report adds that while they want to speak to the former Newcastle United manager about the role, there has been no contact as of yet.
Rafa Benitez was previously a Celtic target
Rangers could be a great club for Benitez. They have an incredibly passionate fanbase, while they are a bit of a project side given the current gap between themselves and rivals Celtic.
In 2016, Benitez stayed at Newcastle because of the fans. He was idolised on Tyneside, and was convinced to stay at St James’ Park despite relegation to the Championship.
He could receive similar adulation in Glasgow and be given legendary status if he were to take Rangers to the top ahead of Celtic.
Interestingly, Benitez has been linked with a move to Scotland before.
In 2019, Celtic were interested in Benitez. He was viewed as a possible replacement for Brendan Rodgers, at a time when his Newcastle United career appeared to be heading towards its conclusion. However, Benitez has since admitted that a formal offer never arrived.
During an interview with the Athletic, Benitez said: “I was aware of some interest but we didn’t have any official approach. I was still under contract at Newcastle so we couldn’t even consider this option.”
He was then linked with Celtic again in 2021, and now has Rangers eyeing up his services.