Muscat, who remains the frontrunner to succeed Russell Martin, has been in advanced discussions with the Ibrox board in recent days. However, sources close to the negotiations have indicated that disagreements over the club’s structure, transfer control, and long-term vision have raised doubts about whether the move will go ahead as planned.
The former Rangers defender, currently in charge of Chinese champions Shanghai Port, is said to be seeking full backing for his football philosophy — a high-intensity, possession-driven style similar to that of his former mentor, Ange Postecoglou. Muscat has made it clear in past interviews that he will only take a job where his ideas are completely supported from top to bottom.
That stance has reportedly led to a degree of tension, with senior figures at Ibrox understood to be reluctant to hand over full autonomy in recruitment and squad planning. A source told Glasgow World earlier this week that “some aspects of Muscat’s methods have been described as non-negotiable”, while others within the club fear they could clash with existing structures already in place.
Adding to the complexity, Rangers are yet to finalise compensation terms with Shanghai Port, believed to be in the region of £1.5 million. The timing of Muscat’s potential move also poses a problem, with the Chinese Super League season not concluding until late November — a delay that could force Rangers to extend interim boss Stevie Smith’s temporary tenure.
Despite those obstacles, there remains optimism among some Ibrox insiders that an agreement can still be reached, with Muscat keen on a return to the club where he lifted a domestic treble as a player in 2003. But unless common ground is found quickly, the risk of the deal collapsing remains real.
For now, Rangers fans will have to wait — and hope that a reunion with one of their former favourites does not fall apart before it
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