Mourinho to Rangers rumors resurface — yes, THAT Rangers with the STAYC connection

[OSENWORLD] José Mourinho, famously known as the “Special One,” has emerged as a surprising candidate for the Glasgow Rangers job — a club that once made headlines for an unlikely connection with K-pop girl group STAYC.

The 62-year-old Portuguese manager was dismissed last week by Turkish side Fenerbahçe after the team’s 0–1 defeat to Benfica in the UEFA Champions League playoff round on Aug. 28.

Since then, European outlets have linked Mourinho to a number of possible destinations, including English Premier League sides West Ham United and Nottingham Forest, as well as clubs in the Middle East.

But speculation around a move to Scotland is growing, especially after Rangers legend Ally McCoist told British radio network talkSPORT: “If the opportunity came up, I’d grab Mourinho. He’s still a massive name and he could inject real energy into Scottish football.”

Mourinho himself has previously expressed admiration for the Old Firm rivalry, noting in March: “Celtic and Rangers are clubs with incredible history in European football.”

Rangers, however, are not just a storied club but also one with an unexpected pop culture tie-in. In 2023, during their U.S. tour stop in Dallas, STAYC accidentally wore Glasgow Rangers’ 1996–97 home football kit on stage instead of the Texas Rangers’ baseball jersey.

The mix-up went viral, eventually leading to a formal invitation from the Scottish club. The girl group later visited Ibrox Stadium, met players and coaches, and filmed a “Teddy Bear” dance challenge with the team mascot, Broxi Bear.

Currently, Rangers are led by manager Russell Martin but sit winless after four matches this season (four draws), placing them seventh in the Scottish Premiership. With fans increasingly frustrated by the worst league start in years, Mourinho is seen by some as the kind of high-profile figure who could turn the club’s fortunes around.

If Mourinho takes charge, the mix of his global profile and Rangers’ unexpected K-pop connection could once again draw worldwide attention.

/k_inside@osen.co.kr

Photo Courtesy of Gettyimages, Rangers FC