Rangers takeover: £100m squad overhaul predicted in new warning to Celtic
Rangers look set to become the latest member of the San Francisco 49ers’ footballing stable and a new £100million investment prediction has been made.
Reports emerged on Wednesday (19 February) that the American franchise are in advanced talks over a multi-million pound agreement to purchase a stake in Rangers.
That has inevitably led to Gers fans getting excited in what could be a game-changing financial development at Ibrox.
Rangers have badly underperformed on the field this season, highlighted by the 13-point gap on leaders Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
However, that may well be about to change should the 49ers‘ takeover go through and money gets pumped into the club.
Derek Ferguson reacts to 49ers takeover news at Rangers
While a cash injection would certainly go a long way to bridging the gap on Celtic, it may well be that a mass squad overhaul is required at Ibrox.
And in the view of pundit Derek Ferguson, speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, it could require an investment of up to £100m to help even the playing surface.
“I think there will be an overhaul in quite a few departments, including the playing squad,” he said. “That also includes the manager.
“In terms of players, you look at the calibre of players Celtic have at the minute. You’re looking at between £60m-100m to bridge to bring in the quality that bridges the gap to Celtic, and to challenge in Europe.
“There was a time Rangers were able to attract top, top names, on top money. If you want to challenge Celtic, you’re looking at between £60m-£100m.”
| Rangers shareholders | Shares (rounded) |
| Dave King | 13% |
| Douglas Park | 12% |
| George Taylor | 10% |
| Stuart Gibson | 9.5% |
| John Bennett | 7% |
| Julian Wolhardt | 6.7% |
| John Halstead | 6% |
Rangers need to invest money wisely in summer transfer window
There will inevitably be hurdles in the way of preventing this takeover going through at Rangers, but supporters will keep their fingers crossed.
If everything is in place come the summer transfer window, fans will be expecting some improvements made to the playing squad.
Various restrictions will hamper Rangers in that regard, but that is not to say a £10m striker cannot be signed, for example.
Offset by money brought in through other sales – such as Hamza Igamane to a Premier League side – Rangers must ensure they are smart with both incoming and outgoing activity.
This takeover is still far from done, of course, but let’s just hope it goes through with minimal glitches and supporters can then get excited for the next transfer window.