Leeds United: 49ers could be in for reckoning after latest Rangers antics

Leeds United surely won't be pleased with the 49ers Enterprises strengthening their direct Premier League rivals.

Last summer, American businessman Andrew Cavenagh and the West Yorkshire outfit's owners formed a consortium to buy a majority stake in Rangers.

Since then, there have been concerns among fans in LS11 over what that means for the Whites as Paraag Marathe stretches himself thin.

Daniel Farke has ambitions to take Leeds further and will hope for the Elland Road hierarchy's full support, but there's a long way to go before then.

While the German manager avoided Premier League relegation in the 2025-26 campaign, another tough season arguably awaits them.

The Peacocks will have fresh contenders to deal with next season after Coventry City, Ipswich Town and Hull City's promotion, and it isn't a good look for the 49ers to strengthen possible relegation contenders.

Leeds United fans given Rangers concern

Rangers have sold Jack Butland to Hull after signing Ivor Pandur from the Tigers this summer.

While there's an argument to be made whether the Englishman is an upgrade over the Croatia international, what can't be discarded is the 33-year-old's vast Premier League experience.

For recently promoted sides, having players with top-flight nous in the squad can be extremely helpful, as demonstrated by James Justin and Sean Longstaff at Elland Road.

According to BBC Sport, Hull also hold concrete interest in the Gers' Belgium international midfielder Nicolas Raskin, who is impressing at the World Cup.

With Butland's sale, it's clear that the 49ers aren't averse to strengthening the West Yorkshire outfit's direct rivals, and if the Americans facilitate another move to the Tigers from Glasgow, they may have a reckoning on their hands at Elland Road.

When will Leeds announce their first summer signing?

Leeds have reached an agreement with Harry Wilson to sign him as a free agent, but nothing has been made official yet despite his contract at Fulham expiring on 30 June.

The Elland Road faithful may have to wait a few more days before the Wales international is officially unveiled due to logistical considerations.

The Whites have sold Pascal Struijk to Brighton and Hove Albion and fans have been left waiting to see what Marathe has planned in LS11 this summer.

Either way, Leeds need to crack on, and quick.