BBC chief relays ‘huge’ Rangers takeover news after what’s been said
Rangers being involved in advanced talks with 49ers Enterprises over a potential takeover has left Tom English blown away.
Rangers’ discussions over a buyout with 49ers Enterprises have now reached an advanced stage, following months of reported talks with the American consortium, which already owns Leeds United.
Should the takeover come to fruition and be ratified in the coming weeks and months, the Light Blues are in line for a cash injection which could help level the financial playing field with arch-rivals Celtic.
Talks between Rangers and Paraag Marathe are set to continue behind the scenes in Govan, with no timescale on when a deal will eventually be struck.
Tom English reacts to ‘huge’ Rangers takeover developments
Wednesday’s takeover news at Rangers has been the definitive talking point for anyone and everyone associated with the Light Blues across the past 24 hours, with further developments expected in the coming days.
Journalists aplenty have also reacted to the news, with chief BBC Sport writer English posting on X to comment after the initial report was broken by the Daily Record’s Keith Jackson.
English tagged Jackson in his post, calling it a “huge story”.
| Category | 49ers Enterprises |
| Associated clubs | San Francisco 49ers (NFL), Leeds United |
| Key People | Paraag Marathe, Jed York, Denise DeBartolo York |
| Revenue | £537.8million (2024) |
| Estimated Value | £5.4billion |
Rangers ready to rock the boat after 49ers takeover news
Not only is the potential arrival of 49ers Enterprises at Ibrox absolutely huge for the sheer fabric of Rangers going forward, it could also give both Scottish and European football a serious shake-up.
Though their affiliation with Leeds United could potentially limit the Gers’ potential going forward – not least if both clubs end up playing in UEFA competition – ambitions will be sky-high in Govan.
Rangers’ financial disparity with Celtic has been laid bare this season, with the Hoops opening up a 13-point gap at the top of the Premiership as the Light Blues continue to lose money hand over fist.
As a result, the cash injection brought by the 49ers could see Gers re-emerge from their inconsistent doldrums to surpass Celtic as Scotland’s top dogs, and set their sights on Europe’s biggest prizes too.
Philippe Clement’s side have been lauded for their exploits in the Europa League this term, but the Champions League remains the benchmark competition, which Rangers want to reach consistently.
Financial muscle flexed by the 49ers could certainly achieve that, and given how close they came to qualification this term, Gers fans will see this takeover as their ticket to return to the European elite.