Rangers face third manager in 12 months as Klopp's Red Bull empire circles Danny Rohl

Red Bull Salzburg are in talks with Rangers over a compensation package for manager Danny Rohl, with the German coach potentially becoming Rangers' second managerial departure in just 12 months.

The 37-year-old has no release clause in his contract that runs until 2028, meaning the two clubs must negotiate a fee for a manager who has delivered zero trophies and overseen Rangers' worst European campaign in recent memory.

Rangers' revolving door continues as Rohl eyes Red Bull riches

Rangers are becoming a stepping stone even for managers who fail to deliver silverware. Rohl won just 22 of his 40 games in charge, yet still attracts interest from a club offering Europa League football and a place in Jurgen Klopp's football empire.

The timing could hardly be worse for Rangers. Chairman Andrew Cavenagh publicly backed Rohl for a summer rebuild just weeks ago, declaring:

Danny is our coach, we think that Danny gives us the best opportunity to win the league next year.

A familiar pattern emerges

This marks the continuation of Rangers' managerial merry-go-round:

• Russell Martin sacked in October 2025 after just five wins in 17 games
• Kevin Muscat talks broke down before Rohl's appointment
• Danny Rohl now potentially leaving after seven months

The German initially turned down Rangers' approach last October, only accepting after their pursuit of Muscat collapsed. Now he appears ready to abandon ship at the first opportunity.

Why Salzburg trumps Scotland - the Klopp factor and European ambition

Red Bull Salzburg finished third in the bundesliga" class="entity-link entity-link--league">Austrian Bundesliga, securing Europa League qualification. For Rohl, who oversaw Rangers' meek European exit in 32nd place, the contrast is stark.

The Jurgen Klopp connection makes this move feel inevitable. Rohl began his coaching career at RB Leipzig under Ralph Hassenhuttl, making him a known quantity within Red Bull's football operations now led by the former Liverpool manager.

The pull of the Red Bull machine

Salzburg offer what Rangers cannot:

• Guaranteed European football next season
• A proven pathway for developing coaches within the Red Bull system
• Resources and infrastructure that dwarf Rangers' current capabilities
• The chance to work under Klopp's strategic oversight

Even finishing third in Austria now represents a more attractive proposition than managing one of Scotland's traditional giants. That reality exposes how far Rangers have fallen from their former status.

Another summer rebuild in tatters - what this means for Rangers' title hopes

Cavenagh's recent comments about providing Rohl with "a pre-season and a revamped squad" now look painfully premature. The chairman identified "chemistry, mentality and leadership" as key areas for improvement, but losing another manager hardly addresses those intangibles.

Rangers' trophy drought extends into its second season after four defeats in their last five games killed their title hopes. Celtic knocked them out of both domestic cups and claimed another Scottish Premiership title on the final day.

The recruitment nightmare begins again

Should Rohl depart, Rangers face:

• Finding their third manager in 12 months
• Negotiating compensation with Salzburg while searching for a replacement
• Convincing quality candidates to join after two quick managerial exits
• Rebuilding a squad without knowing who will lead it

The timing leaves Rangers scrambling during the crucial summer transfer window when Celtic will be strengthening for another title defence and Champions League campaign.

What happens next

Rangers and Salzburg must agree a compensation package before Rohl can make the switch. With no release clause in his contract, Rangers hold some negotiating power, though their recent history suggests they struggle to keep anyone who wants to leave.

The search for Rohl's replacement will likely see Rangers linked with unemployed managers and those at smaller clubs. But convincing anyone of real quality to take on this project becomes harder with each failed appointment.

For Rangers supporters, the promise of challenging Celtic's dominance feels more distant than ever. Even managers who fail to deliver trophies now view Ibrox as merely a stepping stone to better things elsewhere.