Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises are poised to lead a sweeping transformation at Ibrox this summer.
Bobby Clark came close to sealing a move from Red Bull Salzburg to Rangers during the January transfer window, but the deal fell through.
However, with the impending takeover by pharmaceutical mogul Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers Enterprises group, Clark could emerge as one of the first new arrivals under the new regime.
The 20-year-old departed Liverpool for Austria last summer in a £6 million switch to link up with ex-Anfield assistant Pep Lijnders. But the move hasn’t panned out, and new Salzburg boss Thomas Letsch has sidelined Clark, opening the door to a January switch to Ibrox.
Swansea City were also interested, but Salzburg pulled the plug on a move after failing to secure a replacement in time. Since then, Clark has featured just four times, and Kronen Zeitung now reports the England youth international is expected to be allowed to leave on loan.
His father, former Kilmarnock manager and Newcastle United icon Lee Clark, addressed the situation, telling the Newcastle Chronicle: “Who knows? There was a lot of speculation in January. I think many British clubs made offers, but the deal wasn’t right for everyone involved. We’ll see what happens next.”
He added that his son chose Salzburg largely out of respect for Lijnders, but his departure has shifted the situation dramatically: “It’s been tough. In a short period, Bobby’s experienced a lot as a young professional.”
With Rangers potentially forming close ties to Red Bull through the incoming ownership group, a path could be cleared for Clark’s arrival. Reports suggest Red Bull may become the club’s front-of-shirt sponsor under the 49ers’ stewardship, as is the case with Leeds United.
49ers Enterprises, who took full control of Leeds in a £170 million deal, are fronting the Ibrox bid. Their president, Paraag Marathe—also chairman at Elland Road—could use the Red Bull connection to finally push a deal for Clark across the finish line.
