What could Rangers expect from potential 49ers takeover?

The situation at Elland Road was not all that positive when 49ers Enterprises completed its eagerly awaited takeover of Leeds United in July 2023.

Fans were left in the dark after the West Yorkshire club’s relegation was confirmed by a defeat by Tottenham Hotspur seven weeks prior to the end of a chaotic season that included four different managers.

Following the conclusion of Sam Allardyce’s short-term contract, there was no permanent manager and no understanding of the squad’s future plans for the season.

Despite having navigated those difficult waters, they are now well-positioned for a top flight return 18 months later.

The 49ers purchased a 15% stake in Leeds in 2018, which rose to 44% in 2021, and while they were on the board at the time, they have only officially called the shots since then, when they complete their acquisition in July 2023.

However, they were criticized for a number of player contracts that were struck during Leeds’ most recent Premier League campaign along with former chair Andrea Radrizzani and chief executive Angus Kinnear.

Upon relegation, clauses inserted into several players ‘ deals meant they could depart on loan, much to the dismay of the club’s fanbase.

Willy Gnonto and his new-look side were forced to rue a sluggish start to the season, which was ended by Southampton in the play-off final, when he refused to play as he attempted to force a move away before being reintegrated into the first-team squad. Daniel Farke, who was chosen to lead Leeds to promotion, and his new-look side were forced to rue their sluggish start.

Crysensio Summerville, Georginio Rutter, and Archie Gray, the club’s hottest prospect, all left last summer due to the failure to make a first-time request to return to the top flight.

Glen Kamara, a former Rangers midfielder, was also sold as part of Leeds’ talent exit, costing around £150 million. The 49ers’ ability to put together a squad that has reached new heights this season was required by those sales, which demanded another rebuild.

Jaden Bogle and Ao Tanaka have been outstanding since signing for comparatively low transfer fees from Sheffield United and Fortuna Dusseldorf, respectively, with the loan agreement between prominent centre-back Joe Rodon becoming permanent.

Since the 49ers’ ownership of the franchise, where have Leeds had fewer transfer losses, Joel Piroe and Ethan Ampadu established themselves as the club’s top players in the Championship?

In Farke’s second year as manager, the team no longer relies on individual qualities and functions better as a unit. With the league’s best defensive and attacking records, Leeds is at the top of the table.

Given the ever-increasing commercialization of football, the financial resources of the 49ers will be of particular interest to Rangers fans.

Forbes has estimated that 49ers Enterprises is worth $5.97 billion, and Marathe has secured additional funding for Leeds from outside sources.

In addition to well-known athletes like swimmer Michael Phelps, golfer Jordan Spieth, and NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook, actors Will Ferrell and Russell Crowe have both contributed money to the club.

It aims to improve Leeds’ already impressive reputation and raise money for the city.

Marathe has mentioned his experience negotiating contracts in the past, particularly in light of the highly unpopular Leeds relegation clauses, and he was heavily involved in the 2014 move of the San Francisco 49ers to Levi’s Stadium.

Infrastructural improvements may be something that Rangers’ potential owners will consider after any takeover, with talk of expansion and renovation at Elland Road following their return to the Premier League.

How little communication between the 49ers and their owners in Leeds has been a plus.

It stands in stark contrast to previous Elland Road regimes that sought attention and fame.

Marathe, who reportedly rarely interviews and only occasionally makes statements, seems to prefer to run her business behind closed doors. What you do see is a polished, confident individual with a track record of success at high-profile sporting institutions.