It remains to be seen what the relationship between Leeds United and Rangers will now look like after Paraag Marathe and The 49ers completed their majority takeover of the Scottish giants.
Marathe, along with health tycoon Andrew Kavanagh, has secured a 51% stake of Rangers as The 49ers Enterprises add a second club to their portfolio. Marathe has been confirmed as Rangers’ vice chairman.
It comes ahead of what is expected to be Leeds’ busiest and most important summer window for years, with the club promoted back to the Premier League. Leeds fans are concerned about Marathe’s workload.
But also, if money will be redirected towards Glasgow instead of being spent at Leeds. Marathe and those in around the inner workings have made it clear that Leeds and Rangers will work as different entities.
However, there is going to be a crossover when it comes to players being targeted. While the two sides have different sporting directors, both will use similar scouting networks, as Rangers eye Conor Coady.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty ImagesRangers open talks to sign England defender Conor Coady
Used rotationally by Leicester, Coady has been relegated to the Championship with the Foxes with the 2015-16 Premier League champions needing to sell in order to balance the books and comply with PSR.
Coady is also set to enter the final year of his contract and his future at Leicester, for those reasons, looks likely to be over. The Record say that Rangers have now opened talks to sign Coady from Leicester.
It comes after Rangers announced Russell Martin as manager, with Marathe helping choose the manager that beat Leeds in the 2023-24 play-off final and proved to be Daniel Farke’s scourge during 2023-24.
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images
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Conor Coady has been linked with Leeds United this summer
Rangers’ move to sign the former Wolves captain and Everton defender comes after Leeds themselves were linked with a move for Coady. Interest was loose, but Leeds were touted with signing Coady.
Given he struggled to get into Leicester’s side and the presence of Joe Rodon at centre-back, the need for Coady at Elland Road may only have been as cover. He is renowned for being excellent off the pitch.
But certainly, there is a greater need for a player like Coady at Ibrox. The Gers need major improvement all over the pitch and bringing in a centre-back like Coady will go a long way in helping Martin’s side.