Rangers takeover could be hit by crushing rejection after new Leeds United twist
Rangers proposed takeover by the 49ers Enterprises may hit a snag if one development is to play out at Leeds United.
For several years now, Rangers have been starved of proper investment and attention in the right areas leading to the dismal season that has played out at Ibrox this time around.
Philippe Clement was one of the driving forces behind that failure, and with Rangers now having sacked the Belgian, the future is starting to look brighter.
The 49ers have been in talks over completing a takeover of the club, but it appears they may face difficulties in getting a deal over the line depending on the situation of Leeds United, the other club under their ownership.
Rangers takeover may hinge on Leeds promotion hopes
Rangers will be hanging their hopes on this fresh takeover as they look ahead to a new lease of life after what has been a tough period in their history.
With the 49ers having 100 per cent control of Leeds, there may be deemed to be a conflict of interest with the potential of the two sides facing off against each other in European competition.
According to a report in the print edition of the Scottish Daily Mail (24 February, pg 58), the takeover could hit a wall if Leeds United fail to get promoted.
That is because, if Leeds were to remain in the Championship, the takeover would require EFL ratification with the regulations said to “forbid associations or duel interests with clubs in a number of competitions including the Premier League and SPFL.”
Clubs involved in a takeover of that regard can ask for EFL permission which the report states is “unlikely” to be granted.
| Championship table 2024/25 | W | D | L | GD | P |
| Leeds | 21 | 9 | 3 | 48 | 72 |
| Sheffield United | 22 | 6 | 5 | 24 | 70 |
| Burnley | 18 | 14 | 2 | 34 | 68 |
| Sunderland | 17 | 11 | 6 | 19 | 62 |
Fortunately for Rangers, Leeds look rather likely to achieve their ambitions of promotion which would then alleviate any of the concerns at Ibrox.
49ers will have a huge summer decision to make at Rangers
If the takeover is to go through, the 49ers will have a series of tasks to ensure that Rangers can start progressing in the right direction.
The biggest of those will be to find a permanent manager capable of leading the team forward after the Light Blues finally opted to sack Clement on Sunday evening.
Barry Ferguson has been mooted as interim boss, but long-term decisions will need to be made in the coming weeks and months.
For years now, Rangers have looked incapable of competing with Celtic at the top of Scottish football, with the lack of managerial ability the main reason behind that, with the failures of Michael Beale and Clement.
Simply put, decisions made this summer will be paramount to the future success at Ibrox.