credit: Imago and Hasan Karim

Max Wilkins

Thu 27 February 2025 6:10, UK

Paraag Marathe has spoken out after being linked to taking over at Rangers.

The Gers are understood to be in “advanced talks” with a consortium including the San Francisco 49ers who are keen to add to their ever-expanding sporting network.

The NFL franchise are currently bankrolling Leeds United with Marathe leading as chairman at Elland Road and could be set to fulfil a similar role at Ibrox.

Ahead of this potential deal, the 47-year-old has spoken out and revealed what he can and can not say in the current environment in Govan.

Marathe can’t speak out on Rangers takeover

As it stands, the American-based group are yet to strike a deal with the current Light Blues hierarchy but could be set to learn the fate of a takeover in a meeting later this week.

Until this decision is made and an agreement is reached with the current shareholders in G51, there is unlikely to be any sort of statement from the 49ers or any other representatives.

This has been echoed by Marathe, speaking at the Financial Times’ Business of Football Summit on 26 February, transcribed by Ben Jacobs via X.

The Leeds chairman said: “I can’t really comment on whatever rumours might be out there. But we are looking at other opportunities. It is doable to replicate the passion [of Leeds].

“What we are looking for is clubs with the right bones, history of success and potential for growth. And if you are a sports person, and you love it and treat it as a way of life like I do, then absolutely there is enough room in your heart to love all your sports properties, just like there is to love all your children!”

49ers remain coy on potential Rangers takeover

It is fair to say that the potential of new owners at Ibrox have been met with plenty of excitement from supporters.

The Light Blues have constantly finished second behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership as the financial gulf between the two sides becomes more and more evident as seasons go on.

As a result, fans have been waiting for positive news ever since Marathe appeared to enter advanced talks over a controlling stake in G51.

Although the President of 49ers Enterprises is staying quiet about a potential deal in Govan, he didn’t say that a deal was off and that can only be seen as a positive.

It won’t be an easy process to take over from the current crop of investors of the Gers given the number of different shareholders there is right now.

As a result, supporters will remain patient and trust that an update will come from Marathe and Co. in the coming days and weeks.