Rangers are reportedly on the brink of being taken over by the 49ers Enterprises group, with the deal now approaching its final stages.
According to a new report, once the 49ers gain control at Ibrox, Rangers are expected to secure Red Bull as their new front-of-shirt sponsor, mirroring a similar arrangement at Leeds United. Sources familiar with the transaction also suggest that Steven Gerrard is the leading candidate to return as the club’s manager.
Although betting markets have recently made Marco Rose the favorite for the managerial post, the Scottish Express claims Gerrard is widely expected to take charge again.
The report outlines how Rangers could look under the new ownership, led by American pharmaceutical magnate Andrew Cavenagh — a takeover first revealed by Record Sport in February. 49ers Enterprises, the investment arm of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, are spearheading the move, having already secured full ownership of Leeds United with a £170 million acquisition two years ago.
At Leeds, 49ers Enterprises President Paraag Marathe has overseen major changes, including bringing in Red Bull as a minority investor. The energy drink giant’s logo now features prominently on Leeds’ men’s and women’s team kits. The Scottish Express reports that a similar sponsorship deal is anticipated at Rangers once the takeover is finalized.
As for the managerial situation, insiders suggest a Rangers-Gerrard reunion is on the cards. The Liverpool legend previously led Rangers to their 55th Scottish Premiership title in 2021 during a successful three-and-a-half-year tenure before departing for Aston Villa. His time in the English Premier League was short-lived, ending in dismissal, and a later stint in the Saudi Pro League also concluded with his sacking.
The Scottish Express adds: “The emerging vision for Rangers under new ownership highlights that appointing a new manager will be a top priority. Former footballer and current 49ers Enterprises technical chief Gretar Steinsson is heading the search for candidates. However, sources close to the deal strongly believe Steven Gerrard’s return to Ibrox is the most probable outcome.”
