Leeds chief Marathe in shock talks to bankroll ‘Rangers revolution’
Leeds United ownership group could be set to add another British club to their portfolio in the near future.
The 49ers group took full control of the Elland Road club in 2023 and currently have them in pole position to return to the Premier League.
The enterprise was valued at $5.97 billion by Forbes and first became a minority shareholder in 2018 before purchasing Andrea Radrizzani’s remaining 56 per cent stake for £170m.
Now, they may be set to add another team to their ranks in a move that may concern Leeds supporters.
Leeds owners 49ers in Rangers takeover talks
A report from Daily Record (19 February) claims that discussions between the 49ers and Rangers are at ‘an advanced stage’ after they began before the new year for a “revolutionary transfer of power”.
The outlet claims that the Ibrox club could be set to benefit from a transformative major injection of cash if the deal is completed.
The report states that Whites chairman Paraag Marathe is a key figure in the proposal and is leading a consortium with another high-net-worth American that hopes to restore the Gers to the top of the pile across the border.
Rangers takeover could impact Leeds negatively
The 49ers ambitions to transform Rangers could take their attention away from the Elland Road outfit.
The update will worry Whites supporters who will be concerned that finances that may have come their way will now go towards the Scottish club but this is not going to be the case.
However, it is more likely that both clubs will benefit from the takeover and will share data, knowledge, scouting networks and commercial partnerships, and given the huge resources at the 49ers disposal, there is enough money to bankroll both clubs without neither fanbase worrying.
Unlike the Whites, the Gers are enduring a tough season with Philippe Clement under severe pressure to hang on to his future in Govan after falling massively behind arch-rivals Celtic.
Meanwhile, Daniel Farke’s side are thriving at the top of the Championship and look set for a Premier League return next season.