Former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez has refused to rule out becoming the next head coach of the Scotland national team, admitting he is open to a move into international football. The experienced Spaniard, currently out of work, was linked with the vacancy in a report by talkSPORT, sparking immediate speculation among the Tartan Army.
Meanwhile, Rangers and Celtic dominate the transfer gossip columns as they look to reshape their squads ahead of the new Scottish Premiership campaign.
Benitez Flirts with Scotland Role
Benitez, who has managed some of the biggest clubs in Europe including Liverpool, Chelsea, and Napoli, has been out of management since leaving Celta Vigo in 2024. When asked about the Scotland job, he told talkSPORT:
“I am open to international football. It is something I have considered before. Scotland has a proud history and passionate fans. You never say never in football.”
The Scottish FA are still assessing candidates to replace the recently departed Steve Clarke, and Benitez’s vast experience at the highest level would make him a standout name on any shortlist. However, sources close to the former Liverpool boss indicate no formal approach has been made yet.
Rangers Reject Chermiti Bid, Eye Midfield Reinforcements
Scottish champions Rangers are determined to keep hold of star striker Youssef Chermiti this summer. TeamTalk report that French side Lyon have prepared an offer worth £17.1 million including add-ons for the 22-year-old, but the Gers value him closer to £25 million. Foot Mercato add that the initial bid could be as low as £12 million with £3.4 million in potential bonuses, yet the Ibrox hierarchy have no intention of sanctioning a sale.
Further north, Rangers have seen a £5.3 million bid for 20-year-old midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl rejected by Norwegian side Tromsø, according to Daily Record. The midfielder has impressed in the Eliteserien and is seen as a long-term prospect for Philippe Clement’s side.
Discussions are also ongoing for Vanja Dragojevic, the 20-year-old defensive midfielder and captain of Serbian outfit Partizan Belgrade. Sky Sports note that Dragojevic is under contract until 2030, making any deal complicated and potentially expensive.
Celtic Close to Duran Deal, Eye Squad Depth
Across Glasgow, Celtic are moving swiftly to secure their first summer signing. Camilo Duran, the 24-year-old Colombian striker currently at Qarabag, is expected in Glasgow imminently to finalise a deal. The Herald reports a fee of £5.5 million has been agreed, while journalist Anthony Joseph on X suggests the structure could be £3 million initially rising to £6 million. The player will sign a four-year contract pending a medical.
Meanwhile, winger Yang Hyun-jun could miss the first Old Firm derby against Rangers on September 20 after being called up by South Korea for the Asian Games, reports the Scottish Sun. The timing of the tournament overlaps with the crucial Scottish Premiership fixture, a blow for Brendan Rodgers.
In a separate development, Liverpool have completed a move for Dara Jikiemi, the Scotland Under-16 captain, from Celtic. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports the teenager has signed a five-year contract at Anfield, underlining the Premier League side’s commitment to youth recruitment.
Other Scottish Gossip
Emile Acquah looks set to depart Dundee after the club agreed a deal in principle with Notts County for the 25-year-old striker, as reported by the Daily Record.
Championship side QPR have expressed interest in 30-year-old Livingston goalkeeper Jerome Prior (via Sky Sports).
Greenock Morton have taken former Toulouse midfielder Noah Lahmadi on trial after the French Under-20 international’s contract expired, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke on X.
Scotland-capped midfielder Barry Bannan, 36, has left Millwall and is set to return to Sheffield Wednesday (reported by Southwark News).
Finally, Hibernian forward Martin Boyle has opened up about his mental health struggles after being axed from Australia’s World Cup squad, revealing he sought counselling support. The 31-year-old described the experience as an “emotional rollercoaster” in an interview with the Edinburgh Evening News.
Key Takeaways
- Rafael Benitez refuses to dismiss links to the Scotland national team job, stating he is open to international management.
- Rangers reject Lyon’s opening bid for Youssef Chermiti and continue to pursue midfielders Hjerto-Dahl and Dragojevic.
- Celtic close in on Camilo Duran as their first summer signing, while Yang Hyun-jun may miss the Old Firm derby due to international duty.
- Liverpool snap up young Scottish talent Dara Jikiemi from Celtic on a long-term deal.
- Hibernian’s Martin Boyle speaks candidly about mental health after World Cup heartbreak.
Quick Facts
Rafael Benitez: Former Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Chelsea manager.
Scotland vacancy: Searching for a new head coach after Steve Clarke’s departure.
Rangers’ held-out price for Chermiti: Around £25 million.
Celtic’s Duran deal: Up to £6 million in total; four-year contract expected.
Jikiemi move: Scotland U16 captain joins Liverpool for five years.
