Graeme Souness understands what it takes to succeed at Rangers, observing what has been a disappointing season at Ibrox.
Despite the struggles, Rangers are on the verge of a potential takeover by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, led by Paraag Marathe, who are seeking to acquire a 51% stake in the club.
The news of the potential takeover has been circulating for months, with a deal in principle now agreed upon with the US investors.
A takeover could provide significant benefits for Rangers.
On the pitch, Rangers have struggled to close the gap with Celtic, who are currently running away with the Scottish Premiership title. The Gers have been unable to dethrone Celtic as champions since the 2021-22 season.
A takeover by wealthy US investors could inject much-needed funds into the club, enabling improvements to the squad and providing stability for the team.
Rangers will also be looking to hire a strong manager after parting ways with Philippe Clement in February, with former Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez rumored to be in the running for the role at Ibrox.
The potential new owners could help stabilize the club and equip it with the necessary resources to compete with Celtic on all fronts.
Rangers’ upcoming fixtures include matches against Fenerbahce at home, Celtic away, Dundee FC away, and Hibernian at home.
Souness has shared his thoughts on the takeover, noting that having the same ownership as Leeds United, who are striving for a return to the Premier League, could have significant implications.
Speaking to Ian Herbert in the Scottish Daily Mail (12 March, pg 65), Souness said: “Any prospective buyer of Glasgow Rangers will quickly understand that they are not just buying a football club – they are buying an institution.
“If it were to be the 49ers, there’s early talk that Rangers could become a feeder club for Leeds. But if they were to elevate Rangers, I believe it could be the other way around.
“There’s enormous potential to take this club to the next level.”
Rangers are looking to eliminate Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.
Rangers have one foot in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League after defeating Mourinho’s Fenerbahce 3-1 in Istanbul last week.
Barry Ferguson will welcome Mourinho to Ibrox for the second leg on Thursday, with a tie against either Roma or Bilbao awaiting if they progress.
Rangers defender Leon Balogun has emphasized that the Scottish giants are focused and prepared for any of Mourinho’s tricks in the second leg at Ibrox.
In the first leg, Cyriel Dessers and Vaclav Cerny scored for the Gers as Fenerbahce were left stunned by Rangers’ spirited performance. Advancing to the quarter-finals would boost the prospects of the potential new owners and help Ferguson strengthen his case for a permanent position at Ibrox.
Graeme Souness reacts to Leeds United twist in 49ers takeover bid at Rangers
