Rangers Ibrox 49ers
(Credit: Imago)
Rahul Lakhani
Wed 2 April 2025 12:40, UK
Rangers are expected to confirm a change of ownership in the coming months, with 49ers Enterprises said to be nearing a takeover.
It has been a mostly underwhelming season for Rangers, but there is a glimmer of hope in the Europa League after a positive few weeks under Barry Ferguson.
Criticism has long been directed at the Rangers board and ownership, with several managers struggling at Ibrox in recent years, but this could all be set to change.
American-based outfit 49ers Enterprises, who also own stakes in Leeds United and NFL team San Francisco 49ers among others, are said to be close to buying Rangers, but there is still a long way to go before any deal is completed.
Rangers interim manager Barry Ferguson
Barry Ferguson has turned Rangers’ fortunes around. (Credit: Sky Sports News YouTube)
49ers Enterprises owner responds to Rangers links
49ers Enterprises owner Jed York has now spoken about the links to Rangers, although only to state that nothing concrete has happened just yet.
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“We haven’t done anything there,” York told ESPN (1 April) when asked about Rangers.
Stat Barry Ferguson
Matches 6
Wins 4
Losses 2
Goals 18
Conceded 14
Points Per Game 2.0
Rangers under Barry Ferguson
“Leeds is obviously under the umbrella, but those are completely separate from the 49ers.
“Where we can tie brands together and sort of take our best practices of operating and things like that, [we do,] but in terms of financials, they don’t overlap at all.”
Ibrox
Rangers are in line for fresh ownership. (Credit: Imago)
49ers owner Jed York criticised over NFL dealings
York has been criticised in the States, after the San Francisco 49ers cut back on their spending and several players leaving, and many wondered if the potential takeover of Rangers had a part to play.
However, York’s response indicates that all the franchises under his belt are separate entities. A cutback in spending with the 49ers does not necessarily mean a deal with Rangers is imminent.
This may be seen as a positive for Rangers, in the sense that a change in circumstances at Leeds or in the NFL would not affect their own business at Ibrox.
A takeover from the 49ers could see a significant cash injection at Rangers, but sections of the fanbase are sceptical over the proposal that American owners could take charge of the club.
With York criticised in San Francisco, perhaps there are warning signs that a takeover would not necessarily make the 49ers the saviours Rangers needs.
Several underwhelming years have followed the 2022 Europa League final defeat, and Rangers will hope that whoever takes over the club can restore their former glories.
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