Steven Gerrard’s reaction to rumors linking him with Rangers goes viral, leaving fans stunned.
The Rangers Football Club is abuzz with speculation as reports emerge of the board’s desire to reunite with former manager Steven Gerrard, who left Ibrox three and a half years ago to take charge at Aston Villa.
The Liverpool legend, who famously led Rangers to their 55th Scottish Premiership title in 2021, is being considered as a potential replacement for current manager Russell Martin, whose tenure has been marred by a disappointing start to the season.
Despite the club’s interest, Gerrard has made it clear he would only return to Glasgow under one specific condition: full backing from the board in the transfer market to rebuild the squad and challenge Celtic’s dominance.
Gerrard’s initial spell at Rangers was a defining moment in the club’s history. Taking over in 2018, he transformed a struggling side into champions, halting Celtic’s bid for a historic tenth consecutive title in the 2020/21 season.
The achievement, secured without a single league defeat, cemented his status as a hero among the Ibrox faithful.
However, his departure to Aston Villa in November 2021 left some fans feeling betrayed, as he left mid-season with Rangers leading the Premiership.
His time at Villa was less successful, ending in a sacking less than a year later after a poor run of results. A subsequent stint at Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia also failed to yield the desired success, and he has been out of management since January 2025.
Despite this, Gerrard’s proven track record at Rangers and his understanding of the club’s intense expectations make him a compelling candidate for a return.
Russell Martin, appointed in the summer following Philippe Clement’s dismissal, has struggled to win over fans.
Three consecutive 1-1 draws in the Premiership against Motherwell, Dundee, and St Mirren, coupled with a 3-1 loss to Club Brugge in the Champions League play-off, have left Rangers four points behind Celtic early in the campaign.
Fans have voiced frustration over Martin’s possession-based style, which has yet to deliver results, and a 6-0 defeat to Brugge in the second leg has intensified calls for change. The board, now backed by a US consortium led by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, sees Gerrard as a figure who could restore stability and ignite a revival.
Gerrard’s condition for a return centers on financial support to strengthen the squad. During his first stint, he reportedly felt constrained by limited backing after the title win, a factor that contributed to his exit.
Sources suggest he is wary of returning without assurances of significant investment to compete with Celtic, who have dominated the Premiership in recent years.
His potential coaching staff, rumored to include former Rangers midfielder Steven Davis and ex-Liverpool teammate Jordan Henderson, could add further appeal, bringing familiarity and credibility to his project.
The prospect of Gerrard’s return has divided fans. Some view him as the ideal candidate to restore Rangers’ pride, citing his ability to handle pressure and his global profile, which could attract high-caliber players.
Others remain skeptical, pointing to his modest trophy haul—one from nine possible competitions during his Rangers tenure—and his struggles at Villa and Al-Ettifaq. As the club navigates a critical juncture, with the US takeover nearing completion and the Old Firm derby looming on August 31, the board’s next move will shape Rangers’ future.
Gerrard’s decision, and whether the board meets his demands, could define the club’s trajectory in a season already teetering on the edge.