Rangers takeover: ‘Shock’ ex-Ibrox billionaire emerges to rescue stuttering deal

Rangers supporters are already half envisaging a more lucrative transfer window should their proposed US takeover go through in ample time.

Gers fans are desperate for their side to compete for the major domestic trophies again having faltered in Scotland this season – though they do still proudly fly the flag in Europe.

Paraag Marathe’s 49ers Enterprises group and insurance tycoon Andrew Cavenagh are currently leading the charge to build the required 51 per cent ownership of Rangers which would trigger full day-to-day control at Ibrox.

Rangers takeover could be saved by former director

Rangers’ current shareholding is spread out much more evenly than at many other clubs, as several directors own stakes between 7 per cent and 13 per cent.

This has meant Marathe and Cavenagh have had a more complicated mission on their hands to convince enough shareholders – some of whom are key former hierarchical figures at Ibrox – to sell up.

According to the Mail (16 April), some senior heads have shown “unexpected resistance” to the planned exchange of power, with talks having stuttered slightly – coming as a shock to the American group.

Consequently, the consortium have been forced to search elsewhere for additional figures to help push a deal through, and have enlisted former Ibrox director Sandy Easdale on board.

Easdale – an individual worth over £1.4billion but not well supported or trusted in Govan due to past involvements with Rangers – has taken an additional 4,000,000 shares, bringing his total share amount to just short of 10,000,000.

This constitutes around 2.25 per cent, which could ultimately prove pivotal due to his strong belief Gers need modernising both on and off the pitch – making the proposed takeover crucial for the Light Blues’ development.

Ibrox could look very different as 2025-26 kicks off

Should Marathe, Cavenagh and Easdale get their way, Ibrox‘s boardroom could have an entirely different outlook within just a matter of months.