Rangers latest takeover twist sees San Francisco 49ers middle man make Red Bull and Leeds United deal claim — Rangers News 26/2/25 Gavin Kelly
There is a feeling that the rest of the footballing season is going to be little more than a distraction for Rangers fans amid the excitement of a potential takeover by the San Francisco 49ers.
A deal is said to be agreed with the 49ers Enterprises
finance arm of the NFL giants as they look to take a second dive into “soccer”.
A potential dual ownership hitch with Leeds United has a
couple of solutions, but one has already been ruled out by a key figure in the
Rangers takeover deal – Paraag Marathe.
Red Bull have a sizeable stake in the Championship outfit
and there have been rumours of a potential sale from 49ers Enterprises.
However, speaking to the Financial Times’ Business of
Football summit, where Marathe will no doubt be an in-demand figure, the Leeds
United chairman said:
“That’s not contemplated at all. There is no language to
that effect. It’s not something we have discussed ever,” said Marathe about a
possible sale to Red Bull.
“I can’t really comment on whatever rumours might be out
there,” Marathe added on the Rangers deal.
“But we are looking at other opportunities. It is doable to
replicate the passion [of Leeds].
“What we are looking for is clubs with the right bones,
history of success and potential for growth. And if you are a sports person,
and you love it and treat it as a way of life like I do, then absolutely there
is enough room in your heart to love all your sports properties, just like
there is to love all your children!”
Would Rangers be a feeder club for Leeds United?
As with any multi-team ownership group, it is unlikely that
the 49ers plan to have several teams of a similar standing.
Regardless of history or UEFA coefficient ranking, whoever
has the controlling interest will prioritise where the money is, and that isn’t
in the SPFL.
Rangers have “easier” access to the Champions League, but
for perspective, Celtic have had a good European campaign this year and made a
third of what the team who finishes last in the Premier League will earn from
the various TV deals alone.
What it doesn’t mean, is that Rangers will be forced to
develop Leeds young players or that any players identified by Nils Koppen and
his recruitment team have to be passed up the food chain.
It wouldn’t be a one-way relationship either and the pros
would far outweigh the cons when the current situation is assessed and what the
future currently looks like.