Rangers fans ‘to fear takeover outcome’ after what Simon Jordan has suggested
Rangers being taken over by multi-billionaire consortium 49ers Enterprises could eventually see a limit set on their ambitions.
Rangers and 49ers Enterprises are in advanced talks over a groundbreaking takeover deal at Ibrox, following a period of discussions with the group revealed to have taken place across recent months.
Paraag Marathe, who is currently chairman of Leeds United following the 49ers’ buyout at Elland Road in 2023, has been the driving force behind their takeover bid, which could be completed as soon as June.
With Leeds already part – and the only current member – of the 49ers’ stable of clubs, any takeover deal being completed at Ibrox would see Gers enter a multi-club agreement for the first time in their history.
Multi-club model sparks Rangers worry for Simon Jordan
The prospect of the Light Blues entering into a multi-club model is certainly an intriguing one for the Ibrox faithful; a fanbase who have become used to being superior over almost every team they face.
Speaking on talkSPORT (20 February, 11:53am), Simon Jordan feared for the Gers’ place in the hierarchy of a multi-club model, arguing that the financial pull of the Premier League will see them be outranked.
“The question is, how much benefit is there for Rangers in this?”, he said. “If they’re invested in clubs like Leeds, that have opportunities to go into the Premier League – that is undoubtedly incredibly valuable.
“What you don’t want is Rangers being utilised as an opportunity to provide [a] feeder club for clubs like Leeds United, because your vested interest with a potential ownership model is primarily with Leeds.”
“The opportunity for Rangers is an interesting one, because they’ll get more cash, they’ll probably get better commercial outcomes than they’ve currently got.
“But in the longer game, I don’t know how much value there is in Rangers as opposed to some of their other investments, like Leeds.”
| Category | Leeds United | Rangers |
| Founded | 1919 | 1875 |
| Stadium Capacity | 37,792 | 51,700 |
| League | EFL Championship | Scottish Premiership |
| Latest Financial Losses | £33.7million (2022/23) | £17.2million (2023/24) |
New Rangers reality could set in after Leeds United developments
There’s no arguing that on a global scale – and certainly in terms of silverware – the Light Blues are a more successful and bigger club than Leeds, being one of the most trophy-laden teams in the game.
Although Rangers were overtaken by arch-rivals Celtic in terms of trophies won following December’s League Cup final defeat, they’re still a mile clear of most other teams with 118 domestic honours won.
Leeds, meanwhile, have just 11 major titles to their name, a fraction of the success experienced in Govan, where the Gers have lifted silverware on an almost annual basis across their 153-year history.
Despite this, Leeds returning to the Premier League could be curtains for Rangers’ hopes of being first pick in a multi-club model with the Whites, due to the financial disparity north and south of the border.
The scale of the Premier League’s seemingly endless money pit will see Leeds’ revenues soar through the roof if they’re promoted this season, making them the club who’ll earn far more money for the 49ers.
As a result, and despite the sheer relief brought about the prospect of a clean slate at Ibrox, Gers fans may be quietly hoping that their soon-to-be sister club remains battling it out in England’s second tier.