Danny Röhl Edges Towards Rangers Exit as Derek McInnes Emerges as Leading Replacement Candidate
Rangers could soon find themselves searching for a new manager after reports suggested that Danny Röhl is edging closer to a departure from Ibrox, with Austrian giants RB Salzburg pushing hard to secure his services ahead of the new season. The German coach has been heavily linked with a return to the Red Bull football network, and discussions between the clubs are believed to be progressing.
While no official agreement has yet been announced, speculation surrounding Röhl’s future has intensified significantly in recent days. The 37-year-old only arrived at Rangers last year but quickly established himself as one of the most highly regarded young coaches in European football. His previous experience with RB Leipzig and other Red Bull-affiliated organisations has made him an attractive candidate for Salzburg’s vacant managerial position.
The uncertainty surrounding Röhl’s future has forced Rangers’ hierarchy to begin assessing potential replacements should the German decide to leave. According to multiple reports, one name has quickly moved to the forefront of discussions.
That name is Derek McInnes.
The Hearts manager has enjoyed an exceptional campaign in Scottish football and is believed to be highly regarded by influential figures at Ibrox. McInnes guided Hearts into a title challenge and helped establish the Edinburgh club as one of the strongest sides in the country during the 2025-26 season.
His achievements have not gone unnoticed. McInnes was recognised as one of Scotland’s standout managers after transforming Hearts into genuine contenders at the top end of the Scottish Premiership. His tactical organisation, consistency, and ability to develop players have earned widespread praise across the league.
For Rangers supporters, McInnes is hardly an unfamiliar figure. The former Rangers midfielder has long been linked with the managerial position at Ibrox and was considered for the role on several previous occasions. Most notably, he turned down the opportunity to become Rangers manager in 2017, a decision that remains one of the most discussed “what if” moments in recent Scottish football history.
This time, however, circumstances could be very different.
McInnes has further enhanced his reputation through his work at Hearts, while Rangers are entering another crucial period under their current ownership structure. The prospect of leading one of Scotland’s biggest clubs may now prove more difficult to resist should an official approach arrive.
The situation remains fluid, with Rangers still hopeful of retaining Röhl. Club officials are reportedly seeking clarity over the manager’s future as quickly as possible to avoid disrupting preparations for the upcoming campaign. Pre-season plans are already underway, and the board will be eager to ensure stability before the squad returns for training.
Röhl himself has publicly spoken about his commitment to Rangers in recent months, but the growing interest from Salzburg appears increasingly difficult to ignore. The opportunity to return to a familiar football structure and compete regularly in European competition could prove decisive.
Should Röhl ultimately depart, Rangers would face a major decision. The club has ambitions of reclaiming domestic dominance and challenging consistently in Europe, meaning the next appointment would be among the most important in recent years.
McInnes currently appears to be one of the strongest contenders to take over, although Rangers are expected to assess several candidates before making any final decision. Reports have also linked other high-profile names with the vacancy, but the Hearts boss is increasingly being viewed as a serious option.
For now, all eyes remain on Röhl and the ongoing discussions regarding his future. A resolution could arrive within days, and if the German coach does leave for Salzburg, Rangers may once again find themselves turning their attention towards Derek McInnes in their search for a new era at Ibrox.