Paraag Marathe, Elland Road, Exclusive logo
(Credit: Imago)
Ibrox News Speaking to Derek Ferguson
Wed 19 March 2025 7:10, UK
49ers Enterprises are closing in on a takeover at Rangers in a deal that will also have ramifications for Leeds United.
Paraag Marathe is playing a leading role as the 49ers, the investment wing of NFL side the San Francisco 49ers, look to purchase at least 51 per cent of the Gers.
The 49ers’ takeover at Rangers is expected to go through in the coming months, opening up a whole new world of possibilities at Ibrox.
Rangers will soon be under new ownership
Rangers and Leeds partnership mooted
The 49ers also have control at Leeds, which may complicate proceedings at Rangers, although there are ways around the multi-club ownership model.
Indeed, having Rangers and Leeds among the 49ers’ stable of clubs is only likely to benefit both clubs in the long term.
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And in the view of pundit Derek Ferguson, the link-up could work both ways as Rangers and Leeds send players between clubs, depending on the circumstances.
Opposition Home/Away
Dundee Away
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Athletic Bilbao Home
Aberdeen Away
Rangers’ next four fixtures
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, Ferguson said: “It’s been done before with clubs and I don’t see it as an issue.
“Some people up here are saying ‘Well, Rangers are a much bigger club than Leeds United’. It doesn’t matter who’s bigger.
“Get together and be successful together. That’s the key for both. If the takeover goes through, I’d like to see Leeds do well. Obviously I’ve got an interest in Rangers so I’d prefer them to do well. But I’d be all for it.
“Players who need a bit of experience at Leeds, getting regular minutes in a physical league, send them to Rangers to find out all about it. And vice-versa if Rangers want to send some down to play at Leeds. I love that idea.”
Paraag Marathe is playing a key role in the Rangers takeover. (Credit: Imago/ Breaking Media)
Rangers to benefit from Leeds United partnership
As Ferguson points out, there is a whole different argument to be had over which club sits top of the pile between Rangers and Leeds.
Ultimately, though, it can work both ways. Leeds have plenty of talented players on their books who are perhaps not getting the minutes they’d like, which Rangers can take advantage of.
The same is true the opposite way. If there is a player shining at Rangers, such as Hamza Igamane, it may be that Leeds is a natural path to the Premier League for a player destined to one day play in that division.
The takeover is still not finalised, of course, but Rangers supporters can be forgiven for getting excited about what he future holds.
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