Paraag Marathe's three word Rangers verdict after Ibrox tour as 49ers takeover may be sooner rather than later
The Leeds United chairman and key 49ers player was at Ibrox for a look around possible new surroundings
Paraag Marathe has provided a three word verdict on Ibrox after the possible Rangers powerbroker had the red carpet rolled out for him.
49ers Enterprises are looking to land a 51% controlling stake in the Premiership side who are looking to restore themselves to former glories amid Celtic dominance. Backed by US health insurance tycoon Andrew Cavenagh, the consortium have been in talks over Rangers since the back end of 2024 with reports first emerging over interest in February.
Cavanagh has been spotted at Ibrox previously but this is the first time Leeds United chairman Marathe - the Elland Road side also owned by the 49ers - has taken a peek around Ibrox.
What Paraag Marathe said about Rangers and when 49ers takeover could be completed
As media descended around the US tour group on Tuesday, Marathe was asked on STV ‘think you can get used to this?’ His three word response was ‘It’s pretty nice’, Marathe’s tour coming after watching Leeds United earlier this week wrap up promotion back to the Premier League.
According to the broadcast, there is a firm timeline in place that could be sooner rather than later in terms of takeover completion. Their report reads: “The buyout would see 51% of the club acquired by the American consortium, and parties hope to complete the deal before the end of the season or during the summer.”
That means with the season holding four games left, the takeover could be done within weeks by the middle of May. Even if it were to drag into the summer, that is just over four weeks away as completion appears close.
A previous statement read: “Rangers and its existing controlling shareholders are in productive conversations with the two lead members of the Consortium, Andrew Cavanagh and 49ers Enterprises Global Football Group, about the potential for the Consortium to acquire control of the club and to inject additional capital. These discussions reflect a shared recognition of the importance of Rangers FC’s long-term direction, ambitions and management.”
Key 49ers task at Rangers
One of their first goals once this season ends should the deal get done is a new manager. Barry Ferguson is currently the interim boss and he has already stated he thinks he has the tools to get Rangers competition for the title again.
He said last week: “ "If I get the job, I will make my club a better club. If I don't get the job I will still support the club. That's the way I'm looking at it. I've got five games to go, the final game is on the 17th May, my focus is on this next few weeks. There's been a few bumps since I've come in, I knew that was going to be the case, but I wasn't frightened of that. I know the changes that are needed.
"But in terms of the best (candidates), there's obviously names getting mentioned who have a lot more experience than myself. But I always will back myself. Listen, I might not be everybody's cup of tea, but I know I can do the job alongside the staff that I've brought in, but we just need to wait and see."