Rangers fierce rivals Aberdeen have announced a new link with Atlanta United – and they’ll be working closely with two former Bears in the process.
Ex-Rangers, Barcelona and Ajax defender Frank de Boer is currently the MLS side’s manager, whilst Captain America himself Carlos Bocanegra is serving as the club’s technical director and vice president.
It’s an interesting twist to the arrangement which has already seen Aberdeen net £2m.
The partnership between the two clubs also comes as Dons Chairman Stewart Milne decides to step down from his role with our northeast rivals.
American-based businessman Dave Cormack will now chair the Aberdeen board and his links to the US are clearly at play with the Aberdeen Atlanta link.
Whilst it’s an exciting move for Aberdeen, Atlanta United president Darren Eales says there will be no blank cheque, despite AMB Sports & Entertainment (AMBSE), the parent company of Atlanta United, having a less than 10% stake in the Scottish club.
Eales says that the move is about “how we can help each other to be successful within our means” [BBC Scotland].
Former Rangers defender Bocanegra also heaped praise on Aberdeen and celebrated the connection.
“We’re extremely excited about this new partnership with Aberdeen,” said Bocanegra [Daily Record].
“It’s a fantastic club, great history, European champs, lots of tradition.
“They’ve got fantastic people that work for the club, they’ve got a great culture.
“We couldn’t be more excited to get going and utilise this partnership.”
