I think Rangers supporters will have mixed emotions after hearing Mikey Moore explain why his return to Ibrox failed to materialise during the summer transfer window.

The teenage winger became a popular figure among the Rangers faithful during his loan spell in the 2025/26 campaign, and there was genuine excitement about the possibility of seeing him back in Glasgow for another season.

However, that reunion never happened.

Instead, the Tottenham youngster eventually secured a loan move to Bundesliga side FC Koln after initially featuring for Spurs at the beginning of the campaign.

Now, Moore has finally opened up about what happened behind the scenes, and his explanation points to one significant development at Rangers: Danny Rohl’s departure.

Danny Rohl’s exit changed everything for Moore

For me, the most revealing part of Moore’s admission is how closely his future at Rangers was connected to the manager who brought the best out of him during his previous spell.

The 19-year-old enjoyed a productive campaign in Scotland, scoring seven goals and registering three assists in 33 Scottish Premiership appearances.

His performances improved particularly after Rohl replaced Russell Martin at Ibrox, and the German manager appeared to have established a strong relationship with the young winger.

There were discussions about a possible return during the summer, with Moore confirming that his representative had been involved in conversations with Rangers’ ownership.

However, Rohl’s subsequent departure to RB Salzburg changed the situation.

Speaking to the Daily Record, Moore explained:

“I was speaking with my agent and he was up at Ibrox speaking with the owner and stuff. But to be honest, it kind of stopped when Danny left.

“I think once he’d gone, it didn’t make as much sense for me.”

That is quite a revealing admission.

Rangers had appointed Derek McInnes as Rohl’s successor, but the change in management meant Moore no longer viewed a second loan spell as the right move for his development.

Rather than returning to Glasgow and starting another chapter under a different manager, he felt it was time to take another step in his career.

Why Moore chose the Bundesliga instead

Moore also explained that he wanted to challenge himself in a different football environment.

Having already experienced Scottish football and established himself as an important attacking option at Rangers, the youngster believed another loan spell in familiar surroundings might not offer the progression he needed.

He wanted something different.

“I did well in Glasgow so it was about trying to tick off another box and do something else,” he explained.

He also admitted that he had started leaning towards a move to Germany or another club once Rohl’s departure became clear.

FC Koln eventually became his destination, giving him the opportunity to experience the Bundesliga and test himself in a different football culture.

Moore is happy with his decision, although he made no attempt to hide the affection he still has for Rangers.

“I’m happy that I’m here now but obviously I miss being over there all the time.”

I suspect those words will mean a lot to Rangers supporters who were hoping to see him return.

His departure was not necessarily a rejection of the club. From his explanation, it was more about timing, managerial changes and the desire to take the next step in his development.

Moore reveals his biggest Rangers regret

Perhaps the most emotional part of the interview concerns something Moore still wishes he had achieved during his time at Ibrox.

Despite his impressive individual contribution, the winger left Scotland without winning a trophy with Rangers.

And he clearly has not forgotten that disappointment.

Moore admitted that lifting silverware with the club remains unfinished business, describing a future return to Glasgow as a dream.

He said:

“The connection I built there in Glasgow and the love I now have for the club means that for me, as long as I’m in a good place and I feel I can help the club, it’s a dream of mine to go back there at some point.”

That is arguably the biggest takeaway for Rangers fans.

The door has not been closed on a future reunion, although Moore has made it clear that any return would depend on the circumstances and whether he believes he can make a meaningful contribution.

He was also asked whether his biggest regret was failing to win a trophy during his time at Rangers.

His response was emphatic.

“Yeah, 100 percent. When I look back at it, we were in such a good position to do it.”

That is a painful admission for a player who clearly developed a strong attachment to the club.

Could Rangers see Moore back at Ibrox one day?

I would not read Moore’s comments as a promise that he will return to Rangers anytime soon.

He is still only 19, and his immediate priority is to establish himself, develop his game and make the most of his opportunity in Germany.

However, there is something encouraging in the fact that he still speaks so warmly about his previous experience in Glasgow.

Rangers supporters had every reason to want him back after his seven-goal, three-assist campaign, but his latest comments provide a clearer explanation of why the deal ultimately fell apart.

Rohl’s departure was the turning point. Moore wanted a fresh challenge, and the Bundesliga offered him the opportunity to take that next step.

Yet the trophy he never lifted at Ibrox remains a regret.

And if his dream of returning eventually becomes reality, perhaps he will get another opportunity to finish the story he started in Glasgow.