Expert: Rangers set to land cut-price Leeds signings following 49ers development

Former Manchester United chief scout and Sir Alex Ferguson’s right-hand man, Mick Brown, has highlighted the potential benefits of a multi-club structure, suggesting it could be advantageous for both Rangers and Leeds United.

 

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Brown—who remains well-connected within the game—drew parallels with similar setups seen in modern football.

 

Manchester City has successfully implemented a multi-club model in recent years, while Brown recalled how Manchester United had a long-standing link with Belgian side Royal Antwerp during his time at Old Trafford.

 

This partnership allowed young United players to gain valuable experience abroad while benefiting both clubs.

 

Meanwhile, former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson has suggested that Rangers and Leeds could explore a similar arrangement.

 

Leeds’ anticipated return to the Premier League means they will need to strengthen their squad, and Brown believes that several current Leeds players are not at the required level to compete in the English top flight.

Given the financial pressures caused by profit and sustainability regulations in the Championship, Leeds may look to offload some squad players to generate funds.

 

This could present an opportunity for Rangers, allowing them to sign players at potentially lower-than-market prices while helping Leeds reinvest in their squad.

 

Multi-Club Model Could Benefit Rangers and Leeds Under 49ers Ownership

 

Brown emphasized that Rangers need to make at least four top-quality signings if they are to compete with Celtic.

 

However, financial constraints make it difficult for the Glasgow club to attract high-caliber talent.

 

Given Brown’s extensive experience in player recruitment—having spent over a decade at Manchester United during one of their most successful periods—he believes a partnership with Leeds could provide Rangers with affordable, quality signings.

 

Speaking to Football Insider, Brown explained:

 

“Manchester United used to have a partnership with a club in Belgium—Royal Antwerp.

 

They would send young players there to develop and gain first-team experience. Generally, it was beneficial for both clubs.”

 

He continued:

 

“We’ve seen a more modern version of this with Manchester City.

 

They own multiple clubs worldwide, and from time to time, a player will move for a transfer fee, despite being relatively unknown because they were playing at one of these sister clubs.”

 

Brown believes that a similar setup between Leeds and Rangers could be mutually beneficial.

 

“Rangers’ squad is currently below par, but where can they go to recruit better players given their financial limitations?” he asked.

 

“On the other hand, Leeds are by far the strongest team in the Championship and seem destined for promotion—but their current squad isn’t Premier League standard.

 

Several players won’t be able to make the step up, and Leeds will need to move them on to comply with PSR and FFP regulations.”

 

Brown believes that if a formal link is established between the two clubs, Rangers could secure these players at a reduced cost.

 

“There is a significant gap between being a strong Championship player and succeeding in the Premier League.

 

However, some of these players could still improve Rangers significantly.”

 

49ers Enterprises Focused on Philippe Clement’s Replacement

 

While 49ers Enterprises is expected to play a crucial role in Rangers’ summer recruitment, their immediate focus is on appointing a new manager.

 

Philippe Clement was dismissed following a 2-0 defeat to St Mirren last month, with Barry Ferguson taking over as interim manager until the end of the season.

 

On 28 February, Football Insider revealed that Rangers view Steven Gerrard as their ideal candidate to take over permanently.

 

Gerrard previously enjoyed success at Ibrox, leading the club to a league title before moving to Aston Villa.

 

Brown previously told Football Insider on 24 February that Gerrard would be open to returning to Rangers after leaving his role at Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.

 

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