Muscat had been expected to take charge of Rangers following positive talks last week, with an agreement in principle reportedly reached between both parties. However, fresh reports indicate that complications have emerged involving contract details, timing, and structural demands — placing the move in serious doubt.
According to sources close to the negotiations, Muscat’s current club Shanghai Port are reluctant to release him before the conclusion of the Chinese Super League season, where they remain in a tense title race. The 50-year-old’s contract is also believed to contain a performance-based clause that could automatically extend his deal beyond 2025, forcing Rangers to negotiate a compensation package.
The financial side of the deal is proving equally complex. Muscat’s salary in China is understood to be substantially higher than what Rangers initially offered, and while he is open to a pay cut, discussions over bonuses and control of football operations have yet to be finalised.
Sources suggest that Muscat has insisted on having a strong say in recruitment and squad planning — a stance that has caused friction with Rangers’ existing hierarchy, led by director of football Kevin Thelwell and chief executive James Bisgrove. Both parties are said to remain in contact, but insiders have warned that progress has “stalled” in recent days.
A senior Ibrox source described the situation as “delicate,” adding that while Rangers still hope to make Muscat their next head coach, “the deal is no longer as straightforward as it looked earlier in the week.”
Should talks fail to advance in the coming days, Rangers may be forced to consider alternative candidates, with interim boss Steven Smith likely to remain in charge for next weekend’s fixtures.
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