Leeds United owners 49ers Enterprises are set to play a key role in the takeover of Rangers.
The US-based sports investment group have already transformed the fortunes of NFL giants the San Francisco 49ers with Leeds United’s sights set firmly on the Premier League.
Leeds chairman and 49ers chief Paraag Marathe wouldn’t be drawn on the Rangers takeover even if he admits the Americans are on the hunt to add more clubs to their stable.
But it’s not just at Ibrox where big changes are expected this summer as the Elland Road club are rocked by the news their chief executive has agreed to jump ship.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Leeds United CEO agrees Everton switch
Everton have agreed a deal to appoint Leeds United chief executive Angus Kinnear as the Premier League club’s new CEO.
The move will be complete on the 1st of June with Kinnear set to bring down the curtain on eight years at Elland Road during which the exec oversaw the 49ers takeover in July 2023.
Kinnear will move to Everton at a crucial moment in the Toffees’ history, the club having just been bought over by the US-based Friedkin Group ahead of the move to a new state-of-the-art stadium in Liverpool.
Interestingly, the appointment of Kinnear comes amid speculation linking Rangers legend David Weir with the director of football role at Everton.
MORE RANGERS STORIES
Leeds United have moved to appoint former Premier League and FA chairman Peter McCormick as executive vice-chairman but he is not believed to be a replacement for Kinnear.
As explained by BBC Sport, McCormick will now work with Kinnear and the current board up until the end of the season when Leeds will reassess their management structure.
Paraag Marathe went on to pay tribute to Kinnear for his work in Yorkshire.
“I want to thank Angus for his commitment and service for so many years and for being a fantastic steward and leader of the club,” said Marathe.
“As we move forward, I am confident that the incredible talent across our team will sustain our success.”
Rangers navigate period of executive upheaval
It’s not just at Leeds United where 49ers Enterprises look set for a busy summer.
Rangers are also restructuring their executive team and are currently in the midst of an internal review carried out by US sport business firm Sportsology.
Patrick Stewart has already admitted Rangers are targeting a sporting director whilst the club is yet to replace outgoing academy director Zeb Jacobs.
Stewart only came into the CEO role in December 2024 with Fraser Thornton appointed as non-executive chairman.
Both are expected to remain in situ after the Rangers takeover is completed.
The current Rangers shareholders have agreed to sell a 51% stake in the club to a US consortium principally backed by 49ers Enterprises and US healthcare mogul Andrew Cavanagh.
🔵 "Rangers is an iconic football club with a history and heritage which could attract many American investors"
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire assesses a possible takeover by US investors including San Francisco 49ers and Leeds United official Paraag Marathe 🔽 pic.twitter.com/V44lu8I045
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 20, 2025
View Tweet
Reports have suggested the Rangers takeover deal to worth in the region of £100m provided 51% of the club’s shares are sold at 20p per share.
With the deal expected to be completed by June, Rangers fans are already looking ahead to a new era in Glasgow.
But how the 49ers deal with this upheaval at Leeds United will give a small inclination into how the Americans will do business in Glasgow.