Rangers almost saw Giovanni van Bronckhorst make a shock move to Leeds United after sacking him in November.
The Gers decided to move on from Van Bronckhorst in November as his dream Ibrox return became a nightmare. At least, that is the claim from The Athletic.
It all started so well; Van Bronckhorst won the Scottish Cup last season and guided Rangers to the Europa League final.
Rangers fans had confidence that the club could move forward under a former Gers player in Van Bronckhorst, who understood the expectation levels perfectly.
Everything fell apart this season though as Rangers endured a dreadful Champions League campaign.
Van Bronckhorst was then sacked in November as Rangers struggled to find their form in the league.
Michael Beale came in as Van Bronckhorst’s replacement and we have yet to see the Dutchman make a return to management.
Remarkably though, Van Bronckhorst was under serious consideration for a Premier League move…
Leeds United explored Giovanni van Bronckhorst move
The Athletic now report that Van Bronckhorst was eyed up by Leeds United back in February.
Leeds decided to sack Jesse Marsch but couldn’t land any of their top targets.
That left the Whites to consider an interim manager and they had two Dutchmen on their wish list – Van Bronckhorst and Alfred Schreuder.
Victor Orta suggested moves for both men but ended up going for Spaniard Javi Gracia instead.
That didn’t exactly go well as Gracia was sacked last week after just three wins in 12 games.
Maybe Van Bronckhorst dodged a bullet here, as Gracia’s managerial standing may well have been dented by taking the chaotic Leeds job.
Van Bronckhorst will surely attract real interest this summer, possibly from Leeds again if new boss Sam Allardyce doesn’t stay on.
The 48-year-old’s Rangers return didn’t work out but Gers fans will wish him all the best in his next job, whenever it may come.
