The legendary former Liverpool and England star has entered early discussions with Rangers officials about a potential dramatic return to Glasgow.
Steven Gerrard has offered a subtle update to curious Rangers supporters tracking his movements, as speculation intensifies that he could soon be back at Ibrox as the club’s next manager. The 44-year-old, who previously led Rangers to their historic 55th league title, is now the clear frontrunner to take the reins again, with bookmakers suspending betting earlier this week due to mounting confidence in his appointment.
Reports suggest that Gerrard is set to hold decisive talks within the next 48 hours with key figures at the club, including new sporting director Kevin Thelwell, chief executive Patrick Stewart, and representatives of the San Francisco 49ers investment group. Despite Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti also being considered, Gerrard continues to enjoy strong backing within the Rangers hierarchy.
Fuel was added to the speculation fire when news broke that Gerrard had withdrawn from a charity football match in France, citing “professional reasons.” That development only strengthened belief among Rangers fans that a return to Ibrox was imminent.
Adding to the intrigue, Gerrard’s longtime barber in Glasgow, Russell Cowie, posted a video of himself arriving at the club’s Auchenhowie training base—prompting rumours the former Rangers boss had already returned to Scotland to finalize negotiations.
However, Gerrard quickly quashed those suggestions by posting an Instagram story from a beachside resort at the Four Seasons Hotel in Bahrain, showing he’s still overseas for the time being. Whether this is a brief escape or a pause before a big decision remains unclear.
According to The Daily Record, Gerrard has asked for more time to speak with his wife and family before deciding whether to leave their comfortable lifestyle in the Middle East. He has been based there since joining Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq in 2023, though he departed in January. It’s also been confirmed that any potential return to the UK wouldn’t be hindered by tax complications previously thought to be a concern.
Alan Shearer backs Gerrard’s return
Premier League legend Alan Shearer expressed his support for Gerrard re-entering management. Speaking to Betfair, Shearer said, “I’d love to see Gerrard back in the dugout. What he achieved with Rangers—stopping Celtic’s run and winning the title—was massive. With new owners coming into the club, it makes perfect sense that they’d consider someone who knows the club and its culture inside out.”
Latest odds for the next permanent Rangers manager:
- Steven Gerrard – 2/5
- Davide Ancelotti – 3/1
- Russell Martin – 10/1
- Marco Rose – 16/1
- Danny Rohl – 20/1
- Gary O’Neil – 33/1
- Kevin Muscat – 33/1
As the wait continues, all eyes are now on whether Gerrard will make a highly-anticipated return to Ibrox and take up the challenge of reclaiming domestic dominance from arch-rivals Celtic.
