‘I’ve spoken to my Spanish contacts’ – Rangers move for Real Betis man gets full approval
Real Betis’ sporting director Manu Fajardo could be the perfect man to replace Kevin Thelwell at Rangers.
That is according to ex-Aberdeen and Everton and Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who states that Fajardo is “well thought of” in Spain.
Thelwell was sacked as Rangers’ sporting director, alongside chief executive Patrick Stewart, in November.
Rangers have begun their search for a new sporting director, with the Glasgow club set to take their time to try and make the right appointment.
Rangers have ‘got to be aligned on their vision’
Aberdeen’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Fajardo could change Rangers‘ transfer strategy.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insists Rangers must get this appointment right.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Well, look, he’s done a good job at Betis. I’ve spoken to my Spanish contacts and yes, he’s quite well thought of.
“He’s got the international network, which is what Rangers need. It’s what we’ve been saying for months and years now on our podcast here that we believe that Rangers need to be buying lower international players and bringing them through and then selling them on.
“And he has certainly got some contacts to do that. Again, it does need the buy-in of a chief executive and the executive team to have him make sure he’s the right one in place. They’ve got to be aligned on their vision together. That partnership of CEO and sporting director is crucial and that’s so important that the board get this right.”
Former Barnsley chief in frame for Rangers role
Former Nice and Barnsley chief executive Gauthier Ganaye is a contender to replace Stewart at Rangers.
Ganaye has also held a position at Lens and is currently out of work and available to take the vacant position at Ibrox.
Rangers are set to appoint a new chief executive first before they turn their attentions to recruiting a sporting director.