A “very interesting” Rangers takeover update has been shared regarding 49ers Enterprises and their deal at Ibrox.
49ers agree Rangers takeover in principle with Ibrox manager needed
The 49ers group, who currently own Leeds United, are looking to expand their network of clubs and have agreed a deal in principle to takeover at Rangers.
Sky Sports reported last month that there is ‘growing confidence on all sides that it will be completed ahead of the new season’, with Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe and health insurance tycoon Andrew Cavenagh leading the takeover bid.
Talks have also taken place around future investment, and there have been suggestions that the 49ers could go into the summer market with a £20m+ transfer budget.
However, with Barry Ferguson only in interim charge as things stand, the 49ers will need to appoint a permanent Rangers manager first, with the caretaker potentially in line as an option to get the role on a full-time basis.
There have been other names mentioned with the Ibrox job, though, including former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard, who is now thought to be “ready” to return to work in the UK after his time at Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia.
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Rafael Benitez has also been mooted as a target, and recently, ex-Southampton manager Russell Martin and Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior have both been linked with a move to Scotland.
It promises to be a busy few months off the pitch in Glasgow, however, a new takeover claim has emerged in recent days, one that could concern some supporters.
“Interesting” 49ers takeover update at Rangers shared by ex-CEO
Talking to Football Insider, ex-Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness had an “interesting” takeover update to share after talking to his “sources at Rangers this week”. He claimed that the 49ers are viewing the deal for Rangers as a “business transaction” and currently “don’t quite understand” the passion from the Rangers fanbase at this moment in time.
“I’m hearing some very interesting things from my sources at Rangers this week. They’re saying that the 49ers are looking at this like a business transaction, they don’t really get what they’re going into – in terms of the fans, the sectarian situation and the religious connotations.
“The Rangers fanbase have a massive passion. It’s alright to see it occasionally, but you’ve really got to live in it and get to know it if you’re going to invest like this. It’s an unusual beast and it’s very powerful. What I’m hearing is that the 49ers don’t quite understand that side of it.”
Sky Sports reported last month that there is confidence a deal will be completed ahead of the 2025/26 season, and by the looks of things the 49ers could have a bit of a shock on their hands when they show up to their first Old Firm next season.