49ers could seal a dream first Rangers signing in £4m SPFL starlet

One topic is dominating the news surrounding Glasgow Rangers at the moment and that is the rumours of a potential takeover by Paraag Marathe – the man behind NFL team the San Francisco 49ers.

Investment is desperately needed at Ibrox, even more so after the events of the current season, with Philippe Clement overseeing a dismal campaign that has most recently delivered a shock Scottish Cup defeat to Championship side Queen’s Park.

While any potential takeover won’t occur for a while yet, according to journalist Chris Jack of the Rangers Review, discussions between 49ers Enterprises and key shareholders have been ongoing for several months, which is promising indeed.

Dave King is the major shareholder at Rangers, owning a stake of 12.96%, followed by Douglas Park and George Taylor, who both have stakes of over 10%.

What Rangers can expect from 49ers takeover

The 49ers are one of the best-run franchises in the NFL. The 49ers Enterprise is currently valued at a staggering $5.97b, ranking them as the 11th most valuable sports empire in the world.

The 49ers are arguably one of the best-run NFL teams in America. Over the previous ten years, they have won three Divisional Championships (2019, 2022, and 2023) while also reaching the Superbowl on two occasions (2019 and 2023).

The 49ers bought a 15% stake in Leeds United back in 2018, which rose to 44% by 2021. Although they were relegated at the end of the 2022/23 season, Leeds look set to make a return to the Premier League this term.

There is talk of expansion at Elland Road. Should Marathe secure the takeover of Rangers, this could benefit the club in the long run.

One area that will be on everyone’s minds at the club, from supporters to those on the current board, is finances. While a financial war chest may not be available straight away, will there be funds for the manager to bolster his side this summer and beyond?

If so, there are a few players that should be brought to Ibrox. Notably, Lennon Miller.

Rangers were linked with Lennon Miller

It is no secret that Rangers have shown interest in Miller over the previous few months. According to the Glasgow Times during the winter transfer window, both the Gers and Celtic were showing plenty of interest in the Motherwell youngster.

The teenager has made waves at the club since making his debut in 2022, aged just 16 years and 6 days in the League Cup. Miller has enjoyed a meteoric rise ever since.

It isn’t just the Old Firm who are keen on securing his services either. Last month, Serie A side Udinese had a bid of around £2.5m rejected by the Steelmen, who are in no mood to let their prized asset depart on the cheap.

Indeed, the Premiership club value Miller at £4m, which could well be in range for the Light Blues this summer, especially if the potential takeover is done and dusted by then.

Clement – if he is still in a job by then – should be doing everything he can to land the midfielder ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. Once he leaves Motherwell for new pastures, if it is not for Rangers, then the club will have no chance of signing him in the future.

Lennon Miller’s season in numbers

Watching Miller play and dominate games, it is hard to believe he is still only 18 years old. The midfielder has featured 27 times for Motherwell this season, scoring four goals while registering six assists in all competitions.

Capable of playing either in a more advanced role behind the striker, or slightly defensive in front of the back four, Miller has all the tools to be a regular for Rangers or Celtic, no doubt about that.

In the top flight, the youngster averages 1.5 shots per game, along with creating eight big chances, averaging 2.1 key passes per game and succeeding with 52% of his dribble attempts, proving just how effective he can be when bursting into the final third.

Defensively, Miller has also sparkled for the Steelmen. He has averaged 1.9 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game in the Premiership. Furthermore, the Scot wins an impressive 5.9 total duels per game – a success rate of 53% – while recovering 6.6 balls per game.

James McFadden, himself one a teenage prodigy at Motherwell, lauded plenty of praise for Miller during an interview he gave with Open Goal late last year, dubbing the youngster as “ridiculous” due to his ability and future potential.

He could be a dream first signing for the 49ers should a move materialise in the summer. That is almost a certainty.

Where Lennon Miller would fit in at Rangers

One of the strongest areas in the current Rangers side is midfield. Clement can call upon Nicolas Raskin, Mohamed Diomande, Connor Barron, and Bailey Rice, while Dundee starlet Lyall Cameron will join the Gers at the end of the season.

As you can see, this area is fairly stacked with talent, but Miller’s ability to play in a few different positions could give Clement a massive boost.

This could see him slot into a number ten role should the opportunity arise, or perhaps a more defensive depending on the opposition.

If Miller keeps performing the way he has been over the previous 12 months, he could become a star at Rangers.

Of course, this might just be a stepping stone for a move elsewhere, either abroad or to the Premier League, but the Ibrox side would surely rake in a significant profit on their initial investment.

The rumours of a reported takeover by the 49ers look to have given the majority of the fanbase a temporary boost, but until the deal is signed, sealed, and delivered, nothing can be assumed.

If they approach it in the right way, this could see Rangers enter a new era beginning the 2025/26 campaign.

Let us just hope it is more successful than the current one.