Credit: Imago

Dakir Thanveer

Tue 29 April 2025 21:33, UK

Rangers are already on course to close the gap on Celtic on and off the pitch ahead of a takeover by the US consortium involving the 49ers.

Celtic’s hegemony in the Scottish Premiership in recent years has led Rangers to fall behind their Old Firm rivals, with the Hoops pocketing a significant amount of money from qualifying for the UEFA Champions League every year.

While the Light Blues have had joy in the UEFA Europa League, their lack of progress in Europe’s premier competition has put them at a serious disadvantage.

The disparity between the two clubs is highlighted by the fact that Celtic’s most expensive signing last summer (Arne Engels for £11million) cost almost thrice the amount Rangers paid for their top transfer (Mohamed Diomande for £4.3m).

However, the days of playing second fiddle to the Bhoys could be over, as a takeover led by Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe nears completion.

Rangers ready record-breaking Red Bull deal

It emerged earlier this month that Cavenagh and Marathe have found a route to acquire a 51 per cent stake in Rangers, but an announcement is still weeks away.

The takeover may not be finalised until the end of May or even the summer, as the US consortium puts the finishing touches to their deal.

However, Rangers are already appearing to benefit from the impending takeover, with Red Bull in line to come on board as their new shirt sponsors, according to the Scottish Daily Express.

The newspaper reported via their website on 28 April that the energy drink company is unsurprisingly expected to become the Light Blues’ new shirt sponsors.

This is because Red Bull is a major investor in the 49ers Enterprises and is heavily involved in their ownership of Leeds.

One source has suggested that any such agreement with Red Bull would be a ‘record commercial deal’ for a Scottish club.

The development is so big that Rangers’ incoming owners are even prepared to buy out existing shirt deals to make the deal happen.

Celtic will be scared of Gers already

Celtic have been comfortable at the top of the Premiership pyramid for years, but they will surely feel their knees trembling by the latest developments at Ibrox.

The fact that the incoming owners can facilitate a Scottish record-breaking commercial deal with Red Bull even before their takeover is finalised must be scary for the Celtic Park outfit.

For Rangers fans, this will be a source of excitement, as it offers an insight into what they can expect from the 49ers and Co.