Optimism is finally beginning to spread around Rangers with 49ers Enterprises on the brink of a sensational takeover.
Gers are in advanced negotiations with an American consortium made up of 49ers Enterprises and businessman Andrew Cavanagh over taking over at the club.
In an update today, it has been claimed that Ibrox takeover has moved one step closer with the latest tranche of legal documents signed and a deal hoped to be completed by May.
The Americans are set to take a 51% stake in Rangers with the likes of Dave King, John Bennett and Barry Scott selling up their shares to make way for the new regime. It is thought two new members will be appointed to the board.
The 49ers group, of course, already have a stake in Leeds United and Graeme Souness has claimed he could see the English side becoming a feeder club for Gers.
We previously looked at how what 49ers chiefs did with former Leeds bosses Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce could hint at their stance on Barry Ferguson.
And some old comments from Allardyce are also worth looking at.
Allardyce was scathing of 49ers Enterprises Leeds ambitions
Big Sam moved on from Elland Road in 2023 with the Americans on the brink of taking over, deciding not to stick around and see if they wanted to keep him.
Daniel Farke took over instead and while he missed out on promotion to the Premier League last year, it is hoped they will achieve that goal this time.
But it was last summer when Allardyce casted doubts on the 49ers’ ambitions for the club. He questioned whether they really wanted to achieve promotion as they sold Crysencio Summerville to West Ham.
Archie Gray had already gone to Tottenham while former Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara was sold to Rennes.
The 70-year-old told the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast last year: “It’s sad for Leeds because they’re selling too many.
“If they want to get back up there, Leeds fans will be wondering if the San Francisco 49ers are right for them if they’re selling assets and not getting a team together that’s good enough to get promoted.”
Rangers and 49ers note of caution
Leeds did go on to sign plenty of players last summer, including Joe Rodon from Spurs for £10million and Largie Ramazani from Almeria for £6.5m.
But their £27.3m total spend (Transfermarkt) was dwarfed by the £137m brought in from player sales, including Georginio Rutter to Brighton for £39.3m and Gray to Spurs for £34.7m.
So, while there is understandably excitement around the money being injected into the club by new owners, there is also the possibility they look to generate more in sales.
Meaning assets like Hamza Igamane and Jefte could be ripe for the picking by other clubs and potentially replaced by players with a much lower current market value.
With a positive outlook, making a profit is definitely a good thing and can be used for long-term growth. And Leeds have still managed to launch a title bid while doing so and Rangers would definitely take that.
