Former Lyon boss Pierre Sage has emerged as the frontrunner to be the next permanent Queens Park Rangers manager.
Current Rangers manager Marti Cifuentes looks certain to leave the club after being placed on gardening leave following the Spaniard's link to the West Bromwich Albion job. And Sage, 46, is the bookies’ favourite to take over at QPR, priced at 3/1 with Parimatch.
| Manager | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Pierre Sage | 3/1 | Parimatch |
| Tom Cleverley | 5/1 | Parimatch |
| Gary O’Neil | 6/1 | Parimatch |
| Stephen Robinson | 8/1 | Parimatch |
| Richie Wellens | 8/1 | Parimatch |
| Wayne Rooney | 12/1 | Parimatch |
| Michael Beale | 25/1 | Parimatch |
| Steven Gerard | 25/1 | Parimatch |
| Odds correct as of 12/05/2025 12:00. Odds subject to change |
Let's take a look at some of the main contenders.
Pierre Sage (unattached) 3/1: Frenchman is the favourite
Sage recently stated in The Athletic that he was ready to work again and that his dream was to work in England. The Frenchman, who was managing Lyon’s academy, was appointed as interim manager following the sacking of Fabio Grosso in November 2023.
He inspired a remarkable mid-season recovery and qualified for the Europa League, earning himself the job on a permanent basis. However, he was sacked in January 2025 after a poor run of form. Sage is clearly keen to manage in England and, as a progressive European coach, could fit the profile Rangers are looking for. We think 3/1 is a good price.
Tom Cleverley (unattached) 5/1: Former Watford boss in the frame
Former England international midfielder Tom Cleverley is in the frame after being dismissed by Watford. Cleverley took the reins at Vicarage Road in an interim capacity at the end of last season and ensured a solid finish to the campaign.
He had the Hornets on the edge of the playoff picture for much of the season before falling away. This resulted in his dismissal, and he would be free to take over at Loftus Road. 5/1 is definitely worth thinking about.
Gary O’Neill 6/1: Ex Wolves manager third favourite
Gary O’Neill impressed at Bournemouth in the 2022/23 season, and it was considered somewhat harsh when he was replaced by Andoni Iraola. Though it is hard to argue against the appointment of the Spaniard after his success over the past two seasons.
O’Neill went on to impress with Wolves last season before a difficult start to the campaign resulted in him being dismissed.
We think that O’Neill may feel he deserves another crack at the Premier League. So, a job in the Championship, at a club who have had nine permanent managers since 2015, may not appeal.
Rooney or Gerrard: Could QPR go for a big name?
Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerard have both been mentioned. Rooney, after a disappointing spell in charge of Plymouth is 12/1, while Gerrard is 25/1. While neither appointment is impossible, we don’t think that they are particularly likely.
