Credit: Imago/Breaking Media

Declan Carr

Mon 3 March 2025 14:22, UK

A future issue has been mooted for Leeds United as the 49ers takeover of Rangers edges closer.

The enterprise arm of the San Francisco 49ers NFL franchise took full control of the Elland Road club in 2023.

Whites chairman Paraag Marathe is leading negotiations for the group to take a controlling stake in Rangers and the deal may be a step closer after a new update.

49ers set for Rangers takeover

The 49ers have agreed a deal in principle to take ownership of the Scottish club, with due diligence now set to take place.

However, Sky Sports reporter Gordon Duncan has highlighted a problem that may arise for the Peacocks if the takeover is completed.

Speaking on Sky Sports News (3 March, 12:05 pm), he said: “Leeds and Rangers are both massive clubs with a proud history and expectant fanbases, so it will be interesting to see how that dynamic works.

“You can run into one or two difficulties. If Leeds get back to the Premier League, then into European competition, it becomes a little more complicated as far as UEFA are concerned.

“But when you look at others examples, such as Manchester City and Girona, Manchester United and Nice, UEFA have not quite given up, but there are various workarounds.

“It’s not impossible for both [Rangers and Leeds] to both play in Europe were that to happen.”

Rangers deal will not trouble Leeds

There may be concerns that any potential deal would negatively impact Leeds, but that should not be the case.

For starters, as Duncan states, there are ways to work around restrictions involving European competitions and the benefits of the takeover should far outweigh the negatives for both clubs.

Also, they will share scouting networks, commercial partnerships and data, which would only serve to maximise efficiency and the relationship should allow both teams to thrive on and off the pitch.

The 49ers have vast fortunes at their disposal so it is unlikely that either club will experience a discrepancy in the amount of backing that they receive in the transfer market from the group, despite concerns that the new club may be given more priority.

Both teams require a lot of work in the summer transfer window: the Whites to stay in the Premier League if they secure promotion as expected under Daniel Farke, and Rangers to bridge the gap with Celtic, who they are 16 points behind in the Scottish Premiership. There is also the matter of appointing a new manager.

The latter will not concern supporters of Leeds. They will be focused on their own club and their aspirations, but they may need to follow developments at Ibrox closely soon as they could directly affect the Elland Road outfit.