Rumours of American investment at Rangers – via the San Fransisco 49ers – has led to plenty of excitement around Ibrox but some rather probing questions too.
While Rangers would undoubtedly benefit from a timely cash influx, especially ahead of what is likely to be a summer of much movement in the transfer market, what would a 49ers takeover really mean for this proud old institution?
Former chairman Alistair Johnston floated the idea of a ‘multi-club’ operation at Rangers while speaking at the club’s Annual General Meeting in December.
For all the benefits that may provide – Girona haven’t done too badly amidst their connections with Manchester City – fans of a club as historic and iconic as Rangers would understandably have major reservations about becoming a mere cog in a Europe-wide machine.
As such, the 49ers’ alignment with the Red Bull group is a source of much discussion. The energy drink giants who put RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg on the map, but have also proven hugely controversial amongst football’s traditionalists.
Rangers News have been informed, however, that while Red Bull are monitoring those takeover talks closely, it is extremely unlikely that the supporters will be watching ‘Red Bull Rangers’ in the near future while chugging down taurine on the terraces.
49ers and Red Bull likely to do at Rangers what they did at Leeds United
Red Bull became minority investors in Leeds United last year – the club owned by the 49ers and who’s chairman is Paraag Marathe – but the only visible give-away is the Red Bull logo on the Yorkshire giants’ shirts. There has been no name change. There has been no re-branding of Elland Road.
Marathe, Rangers News are told, is also unlikely to become chairman at Ibrox.
So with those concerns out of the way, let’s move on to the more exciting stuff., Given the contacts and the financial firepower that would become available to Rangers in an event of major investment, talk will soon turn to the upcoming transfer window.
Technical director Nils Koppen has enjoyed much success presiding over a youth-focused transfer policy which saw Hamza Igamane, Jefte, Connor Barron, Lyall Cameron and Clinton Nsiala and more head to Glasgow.
Such an approach fits in very well with Red Bull’s own view of the game. Salzburg, for instance, were graced by the likes of Sadio Mane, Dominik Szoboszlai and Erling Haaland before they moved on for considerable sums.
Do not be surprised, then, if Rangers find themselves snapping up some of Europe’s most exciting up-and-comers on the 49ers watch.
Another name to keep on the radar, meanwhile, is that of Joe Gelhardt.
Leeds connections may see Joe Gelhardt move to Rangers
The talented Leeds United striker was linked with Rangers in January before embarking upon a loan spell at Hull City.
With there being potential for a new centre-forward at Ibrox in the summer – Cyriel Dessers is 31 now and Danilo remains injury-prone – those links between Rangers, Leeds, Marathe and the 49ers surely leaves the door ajar should the Gers revisit Gelhardt in the coming months.
Still only 22, Gelhardt may have lost his way at Elland Road but he remains a forward of considerable potential. Take his stunning long-range strike during Hull’s recent defeat by Queens Park Rangers’ for instance.
A thumping effort reminiscent of the days when Gelhardt – ‘explosive and powerful’, to quote Wigan Athletic’s former academy manager in the Yorkshire Evening Post – was being dubbed the second-coming of the legendary Wayne Rooney.
And while debate continues regarding his so-called ‘best position’, it is interesting to note that Hull coach Ruben Selles has used him often as a right-sided winger, cutting in from the flank onto his left foot.
Presuming Vaclav Cerny does not remain at Ibrox – Rangers may struggle to afford Wolfsburg’s asking price, takeover or no takeover – Gelhardt could potentially add depth to the club’s frontline while also helping to fill a void created by the departure of their free-scoring Czech attacker.
“I see him more coming from the wing to the centre because his physical attributes in terms of the intensity and the pressing are really good,” Selles said, explaining his rationale for using Gelhardt in a wider role.
“I see him more [in a] dynamic winger position, but he also can play in the centre.”
