Rangers takeover: Paraag Marathe question emerges amid 49ers talks
Rangers have been subject to takeover interest from 49ers Enterprises but a question about the role of Paraag Marathe has already emerged.
A US-based consortium with including several wealthy individuals have entered advanced talks over a potential bid at Ibrox.
Leeds United owners 49ers Enterprises are understood to be in “advanced talks” to secure a majority shareholding at Ibrox.
Marathe is one of the key figures supporting the proposal as questions are asked about his commitment to the Gers if a takeover goes through, given his involvement with both the 49ers and Leeds.
Rangers to ask questions of Paraag Marathe before Ibrox takeover
Marathe is currently heavily involved with the day-to-day running of Championship side Leeds while also having commitments in the US.
It seems that the Light Blues could be set to join their sporting network in the coming weeks or months.
With that being said, questions have been asked of Marathe and whether or not he could possibly give his all to the Gers if a takeover went through.
Daily Mail journalist John McGarry has speculated whether the 47-year-old can maintain his current roles while balancing a new position with the Scottish Premiership giants.
Writing on 21 February (page 78), he said: “It’s legitimate to ask if his existing commitments on both sides of the Atlantic would permit him to take on a third role in Glasgow or if he would need to delegate.
“But that’s a question for further down the line.”
| Current 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 could be set for 49ers takeover boost
The Gers have languished behind Celtic for too long but that could soon be set to change if Maranthe is to come in.
This could help put the Old Firm rivals on a similar level in the same week when Brendan Rodgers travelled to Bayern Munich in the Champions League and so nearly secured a positive result.
This can only be seen as a positive as supporters await news from the current Leeds boss and the consortium surrounding him.
It will certainly be interesting to see if the 49ers Investments giant will be able to force through a move at Ibrox and how he can balance all his commitments.
Regardless of this, his successes in English football and in the NFL have seen fans in Govan grow excited to see what the future could hold.