Rangers Takeover Update: 49ers Move Quickly to Sign 17-Goal Star as Manager Verdict Emerges

Rangers are preparing for a pivotal clash in the Basque Country as they gear up to face Spanish giants Athletic Bilbao at the iconic Estadio de San Mamés.

The first leg at Ibrox saw a resilient Rangers side, reduced to 10 men, battle to a hard-earned 0-0 draw.

A key moment came when goalkeeper Liam Kelly made a crucial penalty save, keeping the tie finely balanced.

However, interim manager Barry Ferguson has made it clear that his players must be at their very best if they are to progress to the semi-finals of the competition.

“There’s still a lot of work to do on the training ground,” Ferguson stated. “But I’ve got to give credit to the lads. They’ve taken everything on board brilliantly.

It’s a challenge, no doubt, because we’ve changed the tactical approach — both with and without the ball.

That’s not an easy adjustment, but we’re making progress and we’ll be fully prepared for Thursday night.”

Securing a victory in Bilbao would bring a much-needed positive moment in what has been a difficult season for the Glasgow club.

More than just pride, a semi-final spot would bring them closer to a place in next season’s Champions League — a major financial incentive that would greatly benefit the club’s incoming owners, the 49ers Enterprises.

The American-led consortium is edging closer to a full takeover and reportedly has ambitions to reestablish Rangers as Scotland’s dominant force, while also improving their stature in European competition.

One player who has been a standout this season is Vaclav Cerny.

The Czech winger, currently on loan from Wolfsburg, has delivered an impressive 24 goal contributions since arriving in the summer.

Although the loan agreement does not include an option or obligation to buy, that hasn’t stopped Rangers — and the 49ers in particular — from targeting a permanent deal.

According to Football Insider, the 49ers are eager to keep Cerny in Glasgow and are considered front-runners in securing his signature.

The report also claims that the group is ready to invest between £20 million and £25 million into new signings, backing the manager in a bid to challenge at the top of the table next season.

Meanwhile, the managerial situation at Ibrox remains uncertain.

Following the departure of Philippe Clement in March after a 16-month spell, former club captain Barry Ferguson was brought in as interim boss.

In his short tenure, Ferguson has already enjoyed some big moments — including a derby win over Celtic and a Europa League triumph against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce — bringing a renewed sense of optimism to the club.

Despite this promising start, Ferguson is not expected to remain in the position beyond the summer, unless he pulls off the remarkable feat of winning the Europa League.

The Rangers board is believed to be seeking a more experienced and high-profile candidate to lead the club forward.

Reports had previously linked Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin with the role.

The Swede made headlines by matching Martin O’Neill’s 2001 record for the best start to a managerial stint in Scottish football and has turned Aberdeen’s fortunes around dramatically.

However, according to Football Insider, Rangers are now leaning towards a bigger name.

Former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard and ex-RB Leipzig head coach Marco Rose are both rumored to be under consideration.

With so much at stake both on and off the pitch, the coming weeks could prove transformative for Rangers as they chase European glory and prepare for a new era under fresh leadership.