49ers Exclusive: Rangers and Leeds conflict mooted amid Ibrox takeover latest
Kieran Maguire has shared his insight into what the 49ers Enterprises takeover of Rangers could mean for Leeds United.
The American investors, who took full control at Elland Road in 2023, are in advanced negotiations over a deal for the Scottish club with Whites chief Paraag Marathe playing a leading role.
The potential deal could cause a conflict between the two clubs over who would be regarded as the priority for the ownership group, with Leeds potentially having to invest millions in the summer.
49ers Rangers takeover to cause friction at Leeds United
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, football finance expert Maguire offered his verdict on the latest development, saying: “Certainly with what I have observed at Leeds United, they are very professional, and they are not going to spend money that they don’t have just for the sake of spending it.
“But I do think that there is an opportunity to progress the club, whether it is Leeds United, or a club in France or Belgium or wherever it may be.
“They will act like adults, which is good in a vast majority of ways but does not necessarily please the fanbase, though, because all they want is huge signings to be bestowed on the club and taken to the limit as far as cost control rules, Financial Fair Play and so on.
“There can be synergies for both clubs [scouting networks and data sharing]; equally if money is tight then both could be fighting over the same budget.”
49ers deal could benefit Leeds and Rangers
The deal will likely benefit both clubs if it is completed, with the 49ers having vast resources at their disposal to ensure that there is not a significant discrepancy in backing between them.
| Championship | Games | GD | Points |
| Leeds United | 33 | +48 | 72 |
| Sheffield United | 33 | +24 | 70 |
| Burnley | 33 | +30 | 65 |
Both teams need a considerable amount of spending power to get back to where they would like to be – the Gers to catch Celtic and the Elland Road outfit to maintain a place in the Premier League if they are promoted at the end of the campaign, which is looking increasingly likely.
The sharing of data and scouting networks has the potential to take both clubs up to another level in their respective pursuits and the relationship should help both thrive equally in the coming years.