Rangers to ‘release takeover statement’ imminently after ‘huge’ Ibrox news
Rangers have a huge development on their hands as a potential takeover deal with the San Francisco 49ers is revealed.
A US-based consortium with several high-net-worth individuals, supported by Leeds United chief Paraag Marathe, have entered advanced talks over a potential bid.
Rangers would enjoy a fruitful financial benefit from any possible handover of power, having suffered financially and with chaotic scenes on the board.
Rangers takeover statement expected
Keith Jackson of the Daily Record (19 February), who reported the breaking news on the advanced talks between Rangers and the 49ers-led group, anticipates a statement from Rangers “very shortly”.
Marathe has flexed his muscle in British football already, the NFL giants’ custodian running the show at Premier League-chasing Leeds United, who boast a star-studded squad and millions in annual revenue.
Jackson has explained that talks have been ongoing since before the turn of the year, and estimates around four months have now passed which makes the business relationship between all parties comfortably established.
“The information we have at this moment in time is that it’s an American consortium, which includes at least one other high-net-worth individual who may have been driving these talks, but certainly with the backing and knowledge of the 49ers. It is what it is – it’s potentially huge,” Jackson said.
“I believe it stretches back towards the end of last year, so that’s about four months’ worth of negotiations. It’s not just something that’s come to light or somebody just coming to the table and expressing an interest.
“There have been a lot of discussions and now we’re at the point that something like a statement could come very, very shortly. I would expect a statement of at least some talks or an offer.”
The obstacles affecting any potentially exciting takeover deal are the vast number of shareholders still at Ibrox, several of whom having had prominent roles on the board in the past – some previous prospective Rangers bidders have also shuddered and backed away.
Former chairman Dave King maintains a 13 per cent share in Rangers; Douglas Park has 12 per cent while George Taylor owns 10 per cent of the Ibrox club. Stuart Gibson, John Bennett, Julian Wolhardt and John Halsted all retain their stakes in the Light Blues which may look nominal, but are worth a tidy sum.
Rangers could compete properly for trophies again
Rangers supporters care as a priority what occurs on the pitch, and this season has been an extension of the downhill slope since securing title number 55 in 2021.
Philippe Clement as well as the board have been under high scrutiny from fans and ex-players alike, who have seen Gers run chaotically while Celtic stroll to the domestic honours on a regular basis.
The bitter rivals at Parkhead also boast a far stronger arm in the transfer market, something which could immediately change if any potential takeover by the 49ers network becomes complete.
Gers fans have had to deal with the Copland Road fiasco at Ibrox, experienced players regularly leaving, board departures and incompetency in statements from the higher-ups, and they just want to see some light at the end of the tunnel.
That day could soon come following Wednesday’s breaking story.