Rangers takeover: Boardroom source shares new ‘surprise’ collapse verdict
Rangers have been crying out for new investment in recent years as the gap to rivals Celtic widens and a consortium led by Leeds owners 49ers Enterprises has stepped in to help.
It has been widely reported that a deal has now been agreed in principle for the 49ers and their US partners to buy a majority stake at Ibrox.
Rangers have already kicked off a rebuild, with Barry Ferguson replacing Philippe Clement as interim boss in recent weeks.
The Gers are 13 points behind Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership but are still in the Europa League after beating Fenerbahce in the last 16.
Aberdeen’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has had his say on the potential for the 49ers deal to fall through at this late stage.
Rangers takeover could be done by ‘early May’
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness has insisted he would be “very surprised if anything was to fall through at this stage”.
Rangers could join forces with English Championship promotion chasers Leeds United in a new multi-club arrangement.
Wyness claimed the takeover is likely to be complete by early May – or even the end of next month.
| Shareholder | Shares (%) |
| Dave King | 13 |
| Douglas Park | 11.5 |
| George Taylor | 10.2 |
| Stuart Gibson | 9.5 |
| John Bennett | 7.1 |
| Julian Wolhardt | 6.7 |
| John Halsted | 6 |
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “It’s happening. I’d be very surprised if anything was to fall through at this stage.
“The due diligence is basically done, it was done quietly at the end of last year.
“I know some of the consultancy companies who have been involved.
“There has been some serious work on this project, and it will go through.
“They’ll want it done sooner rather than later. As we all know, they want to get in as soon as they can.
“Early May is what they’ll be targeting, if not the end of April.
“Both parties want to get this done. Approval has got to be given by the Scottish league, but I don’t think that will be held back either.
“Hibs and Hearts have already secured new partners, so there’s precedent there.
“The 49ers, together with Leeds, it’s a powerful package. They’ve got a chance to make something very special happen.
“It’ll happen, and it’s the best news for Rangers. It’s better than they could ever have hoped for.”
Rangers could get £20-25m transfer war chest
Football Insider revealed on Friday (21 March) that Rangers could be backed with a £20-25million budget in the summer transfer window.
The prospective new owners plan to build the club’s revenue while allowing the manager and recruitment staff room to spend.
Rangers are set to take part in the Champions League qualifying rounds next season.
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