This week, it emerged that the San Francisco 49ers had taken a big step towards securing their takeover of Glasgow Rangers.
A deal with the 49ers Enterprises has been ‘agreed in principle’, say those in the know.
Ahead of what is likely to be one of the most important summers in Rangers’ modern history – a squad rebuild required and a new manager a must – a timely injection of cash and ambition may represent the best chance a team sitting 16 points adrift of runaway leaders Celtic have of closing a considerable gap at the top.
Whether Steven Gerrard is the man to bring happier times back to Ibrox, however, remains to be seen.
Rangers News have been informed that Steven Gerrard is ‘keen’ on re-joining Rangers three years after walking out to take over Aston Villa.
Talks are underway. And some members of the 49ers are understood to be relishing the prospect of bringing back a coach who delivered not only Rangers’ only Premiership title in 14 years but also an unbeaten, 102-point season.
Gerrard, or whoever finds himself patrolling the Ibrox touchline next term, will need to be backed in the market, of course. This is a Rangers squad with plenty of talent but also more holes than a bagel full of Swiss cheese.
Rangers look short at centre-back, light up top, and lacking real quality on the left wing. The increasingly maligned Nedim Bajrami is more comfortable as a number ten. Ianis Hagi is out of contract. Oscar Cortes is still injured, meanwhile, and Rabbi Matondo is unlikely to wear a Rangers shirt again.
Fortunately, the 49ers will bring to Rangers much deeper pockets than they are used to, while also a wide-ranging collection of contacts. Could American investors bring about an influx of US talent, not only in the boardroom but on the pitch too?
San Francisco 49ers could consider Diego Luna for Rangers
According to reports, Paraag Marathe’s other footballing venture – Leeds United – have looked into signing the £7 million-rated Diego Luna from Real Salt Lake.
At a time when Rangers are crying out for investment on the left-hand side of their attack, do not be surprised if the California-born, three-time USA international enters the 49ers thinking at Ibrox, too.
A highly-intelligent, highly-technical footballer with a fierce shot and an eye for a defence-splitting pass, Diego Luna was named Major League Soccer’s Young Player of the Year after a breakout 2024 campaign. He scored nine goals and set up eight more across the calendar year.
And while Luna can play in a more central role, unlike the aforementioned Bajrami, he prefers to start wide and drift in from the flank.
Of course, talent is only part of it for young attackers looking to make their name in Scotland. Amad Diallo, the brightest star in an admittedly poor Manchester United team these days, struggled to influence proceedings as a baby-faced loanee at Ibrox.
Though Diego Luna is a footballer who prides himself upon his battling qualities and his ability to lead by example. One suspects the physicality of the Scottish game will not see Luna retreat into his shell.
Major League Soccer star has the character to shine at Ibrox
Re-emerging with two cotton buds stuffed up his nostrils to quell the bleeding, Diego Luna played through a nasty nose injury during the USA’s 3-0 victory over Costa Rica in January as America boss Mauricio Pochettino highlighted his, ahem, ‘big balls’.
A big talent with a big attitude.
“The determination, the grit, the attitude to push through things and come out with something, it does explain the type of person I am and the type of player I am,” Luna said recently.
“I want another level. There is more to me that I need to show and put out there. For me, it’s double-digit goals, double-digit assists, and just being that guy.
“[But I’m also aiming to] work defensively, have my GPS numbers be the top, running more, working more, on and off the ball. Offensive and defence. That is going to showcase the player I am and allow the team to see me as this leader.
“I can be this attacking ‘ten’ who is scoring goals. But I will also make sure I am doing the work on both sides as well.”
This certainly does not sound like a man who would shy away from the Glasgow glare.
