Sky Sports share breaking Rangers takeover development from Ibrox – ‘Significant’
Sky Sports News have shared a breaking news update regarding the Rangers takeover that will have a “significant” impact at Ibrox.
While results on the pitch have been disappointing, with the Light Blues finding themselves 16 points behind Celtic, things may start to look rosy again soon.
Leeds chief Paraag Marathe is leading negotiations for the enterprise arm of the San Francisco 49ers NFL franchise to take a controlling stake in the Ibrox outfit.
The takeover, which could transform the Gers’ fortunes, looks a step closer to competition after the latest update.
Rangers takeover development emerges
Sky Sports News presenter Rob Jones announced the “breaking news” at lunchtime that an agreement in principle has been reached for the deal to go ahead.
Reporter Gordon Duncan then shared further details from outside Ibrox.
Speaking on Sky Sports [3 March, 12:02pm], he said: “The Rangers fans needed something to cheer them up after a difficult weekend, and it now looks like takeover talks are heading in the right direction.
“An agreement has been reached in principle, with both parties confident a deal will be completed in time for next season.”
He added: “A period of due diligence to take place, of course, as well as legal paperwork, so plenty of steps to be taken.
“But in a broader sense, it’s heading in the right direction for significant boardroom change.”
49ers have a lot of issues to solve at Rangers
The 49ers takeover will not solve all of Rangers’ issues immediately, whether that be on the pitch or financial but it should provide a semblance of stability in the boardroom.
It should bring an end to the shareholder in-fighting that has hampered the Bears in recent years, but there is still a long road to catch up with their Glasgow rivals domestically as they look set to take the title at a canter.
| 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% |
Their first task once they are on board in Govan will be to find a permanent manager, whether that be Barry Ferguson, a return for Steven Gerrard, or an outsider.
That choice is crucial as it could define the future of the Auchenhowie club and determine how long it takes to catch Brendan Rodgers’ side.
The next issue is the playing squad. Apart from standouts like Hamza Igamane, it is severely lacking in comparison to the league leaders and the recruitment system is in need of an overhaul.
The Gers could come out of the season with some success if they can progress against Fenerbahce in the Europa League and forge a route to the final, but ultimately the gap to Celtic is the most pressing issue and the takeover will not immediately bridge that.