Leeds United and Rangers are now under the same ownership umbrella, and with it we could see the two giants going up against each other for some of the same transfer targets.
Paraag Marathe is the new vice-chairman of Rangers whilst also being the chairman of Leeds United.
It comes after the 49ers completed their takeover of Rangers earlier in the summer, and soon after we already saw signs of a potential Rangers/Leeds connection coming to light.
After promotion, Daniel Farke’s future at Elland Road was up in the air. At the time there was even suggestions that Rangers could appoint Farke as their new manager, though that obviously didn’t come to fruition.
Farke remains in Yorkshire and he’s already got this summer’s transfer window off to a positive start with Leeds United confirming the signing of Jaka Bijol recently, sealing their second signing of the summer.
Expect Rangers’ and Leeds’ paths to cross many times more in future years. Even this summer, with both clubs seemingly interested in signing Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale before a Premier League match against Manchester United.
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Leeds United target Aaron Ramsdale told Rangers transfer would be a ‘backwards step’
Ramsdale is expected to leave Southampton this summer after the Saints’ relegation from the Premier League. Leeds United have been linked with Ramsdale throughout the year but recent reports have revealed how Rangers are interested in signing Ramsdale too, along with Turkish giants Galatasaray.
Speaking to Football League World though, pundit Lee Hendrie has said that a move to Rangers would be a backwards step for the 27-year-old, insisting that Ramsdale will secure a Premier League move instead.
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Hendrie explained: “Would Rangers be a good move for him or not? Listen, it is a massive football club. There is no doubting that Aaron Ramsdale is a very good goalkeeper. There is no doubt about that, and I do feel that he has got a lot more to offer.
“It would not surprise me if a Premier League club maybe looked to take him, just because he has got the experience, given where he has been and what he has done.
“I think that going up to Scotland might be a bit of a backwards step for him. That is no disrespect to the league. I just think he has got more to offer at this moment in time.
“If you look at the two clubs, Rangers and Galatasaray, Rangers would be the one that I would certainly be looking to pick, but I still think he will end up at a Premier League club. I really do.”
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The latest on Leeds United’s goalkeeper conundrum
The no.1 spot needs filling this summer. Illan Meslier looks increasingly likely to leave Leeds United, and it’s looking increasingly likely that he might move to Turkey this summer, with Fenerbahce reportedly interested.
Farke’s need for a new no.1 then will only intensify, which could in turn intensify the club’s pursuit of Ramsdale who’s been linked with a move to Leeds for some time now, along with names like Djordje Petrovic at Chelsea, and Nick Pope at Newcastle United.
Right now though, it doesn’t look like Leeds United are close to signing any goalkeeper. But it’s the £20million-rated Ramsdale who keeps on appearing in headlines and that doesn’t look set to change any time soon.
Expect the decision to be Ramsdale’s to make, especially if it ends up being a loan move which is the latest suggestion. So far though, it looks like Leeds United are the one Premier League team making an effort to sign Ramsdale, so if staying in the English top flight is his preference then it should prove good news for the Whites.