Leeds United Rangers Daniel Farke
(credit: Imago)
Max Wilkins
Sun 16 March 2025 9:40, UK
Leeds United owners 49ers Enterprises are keen on buying a controlling stake of Scottish giants Rangers.
The enterprise arm of the NFL franchise took full control of the Elland Road club back in 2023 and are looking to expand their UK football empire.
Elland Road chief Paraag Marathe is said to be leading negotiations for the US group to take control of the Light Blues in the coming weeks or months.
The excitement surrounding the Gers could soon be ruined by Daniel Farke with just eight games remaining in the Championship season.
Leeds United Daniel Farke (Credit: Imago)
Farke could scupper 49ers takeover at Rangers
The NFL franchise already have control of the Whites and will be keen to push their promotion over the line this campaign.
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After a draw against QPR on Saturday (15 March), there is a nervous feeling emerging around LS11, especially after what happened last season.
It looked as if promotion was on the cards in Farke’s first year in charge but after a disastrous end to the campaign and a playoff final loss, another year in the second tier was confirmed.
A place in the Premier League now looks likely but if another collapse is to happen in the final weeks, the Ibrox faithful are likely to be raging.
Position Team Goal difference Points
1. Leeds United +51 80
2. Burnley +41 78
3. Sheffield United +24 77
Championship table
EFL regulations would not allow the 49ers to take a controlling stake of two UK-based clubs, meaning their takeover at Ibrox wouldn’t be possible with Leeds in the Championship [The Sun on Sunday, 16 March, page 55].
This rule doesn’t exist in the Premier League, so the prospect of new owners for Rangers is only possible if Farke guides his side to promotion.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke (Credit: Imago)
Rangers and 49ers rely on Leeds success
It is safe to say that the Gers’ supporters will have a keen eye on the results at Elland Road between now and the end of the season.
With their side preparing for an Old Firm derby on Sunday (16 March), the gap between themselves and Celtic will once again be on show.
This will only increase calls for fresh investment and ownership as the 49ers show their hand and their desire to take control in Glasgow.
The NFL franchises’ hopes to do so will now rely heavily on the success of Farke and his side as they look to secure promotion to the Premier League.
This additional pressure may not be what the German needs but he needs to shut out the noise and perform to a better level than his side did against QPR.
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