Steven Gerrard rejected Rangers return for one reason as new details emerge

Steven Gerrard has been heavily linked with a return to Rangers amid the Scottish giants’ search for a new boss, with Barry Ferguson having seen out his period as interim manager

Steven Gerrard has pulled out of the race to become Rangers’ next manager after deciding to stay with his family in the Middle East. Gerrard, 44, was tipped to make a return to Ibrox just under four years after quitting the Scottish giants in favour of joining Premier League club Aston Villa.

The Liverpool legend enjoyed a successful three years in Glasgow in what was his first managerial role. Gerrard guided Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title for the first time since the club’s liquidation in 2012.

After Philippe Clement was sacked earlier this year, Gerrard emerged as one of the frontrunners to replace the Belgian. But former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson was installed on a temporary basis, as the club decided to review the situation at the end of the season, with Celtic once again winning the title.

That time has now come and Gerrard’s name hasn’t gone away. Ex-Rangers chairman Dave King personally backed the former England international to get the job over Davide Ancelotti, son of Carlo, and Russell Martin, who was sacked by Southampton in December.

But Gerrard reportedly has other plans. The Record claim that the 44-year-old was having difficulties convincing his wife, Alex, to leave their luxury home in Bahrain.

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Gerrard’s family moved to the Middle East in 2023 after he was appointed as the manager of Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq. He resigned from his position in January and recently held initial talks with Rangers’ hierarchy before asking for more time to consider moving back to the UK.

Now the Scottish newspaper report that the pair have decided to stay in Bahrain for at least 12 more months. It’s understood that their decision isn’t based around tax implications, as Gerrard is now exempt from a multi-million pound HMRC penalty on the money which he made during his time working in the Saudi Pro League.

It comes after King, who appointed Gerrard at Rangers in 2018, told the Sun: “I’d be very surprised if they haven’t spoken to him because Steven is the obvious choice.

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“I know him well enough to fairly accurately state it would be unfinished business for him. Steven left at a time he didn’t want to leave. That’s a fact. He wanted to defend that title. I think he would have defended the title had he stayed.

“From Steven’s point of view and where he is at the moment, I think he’d love nothing more than to come back and take on the challenge of restoring the club. It’s not just about one title. The project we hope we’re starting is to make Rangers the dominant No. 1 team in Scotland.

“It’s about really putting Rangers back at the top and Steven would be perfect for that. I’d be very surprised if they haven’t spoken to Steven because he’s by far the least risky candidate to give new money to. They’d be pushing at an open door if they were able to get the financial side sorted.”

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