Despite the much-anticipated takeover of Rangers by the 49ers Enterprises, the club’s domestic struggles show no sign of easing. Currently trailing Celtic by 15 points in the Scottish Premiership and eliminated from all cup competitions following their recent 2-0 Europa League defeat to Athletic Bilbao (17 April), Rangers remain in a precarious position. The arrival of American investors Paraag Marathe and Andrew Cavanagh has sparked enthusiasm among fans, but delays in finalizing the takeover have raised concerns about how much ground can realistically be made up in the short term.
Celtic, meanwhile, are on course to extend their dominance, with the uncertainty at Rangers only adding to their advantage. Although the American takeover appears close to completion, the lag has left Rangers with a mountain of work ahead of the new season. Speaking on Hotline Live (20 April), Keith Jackson expressed doubt that the necessary progress can be made in time. He noted that Celtic are significantly ahead, and while the new owners may intend to disrupt the status quo, the gap is so wide it’s difficult to imagine it being closed in just one summer.
Rangers may be on the verge of an exciting chapter, but the reality is that numerous issues still need addressing. The takeover is expected to put an end to years of internal shareholder disputes that have negatively impacted the club’s performance. However, uncertainty looms over interim manager Barry Ferguson’s future, and a major squad overhaul is necessary if Rangers hope to challenge Celtic again. Additionally, some of their top talents, such as Nicolas Raskin and Hamza Igamane, are attracting transfer interest, further complicating the situation.
| Scottish Premiership | Played | GD | Points |
| 1. Celtic | 33 | +75 | 81 |
| 2. Rangers | 33 | +33 | 66 |
While the incoming ownership is likely to bring a fresh wave of optimism to Ibrox, that positivity could be short-lived if immediate and effective decisions aren’t made. If the transition had already been completed, the club might have had a head start in rebuilding and narrowing the gap with Brendan Rodgers’ team. Instead, with time running out, it seems unlikely that Rangers will see a drastic turnaround next season. Bridging the gulf may take several years, making the road ahead a daunting one for the Govan side.
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