Alious Graeme Souness Enthralled by Leeds United’s Future Amid 49ers Takeover
Leeds United are laser-focused on securing promotion to the Premier League this season, determined to avoid another heartbreak after last year’s play-off final defeat to Southampton at Wembley.
Currently sitting second in the Championship table ahead of their crucial clash against Millwall on Wednesday (March 16), Leeds need at least a draw to reclaim the top spot. With just weeks left in the season, every point is vital in their bid for automatic promotion.
Souness Weighs in on 49ers’ Plans for Leeds and Rangers
If Leeds do make their Premier League return, manager Daniel Farke’s attention will quickly shift to ensuring the club stays in the top flight for the long haul. Last time they reached the Premier League, they managed to remain there for three seasons before dropping back down. This time, they are determined to establish themselves as a permanent fixture.
The 49ers ownership group, which steadily increased its stake in Leeds before taking full control in the summer of 2023 following relegation, is expected to inject significant financial support should promotion be secured. This backing could be crucial in helping Farke build a squad capable of competing at the highest level.
However, the 49ers’ ambitions aren’t limited to Leeds. They have also been exploring a deal to acquire a stake in Scottish giants Rangers, raising questions about how the two clubs could coexist under the same ownership. Some have speculated that Rangers could function as a feeder club for Leeds, supplying emerging talent.
Graeme Souness, however, believes the dynamic could be reversed. Writing in the *Scottish Daily Mail* (March 12, pg 65), journalist Ian Herbert shared Souness’ perspective:
*”If the 49ers do invest in Rangers, there’s early talk that the Scottish club could serve as a feeder team for Leeds. But if the 49ers elevate Rangers to a higher level, I believe it could actually work the other way around. There’s such enormous potential to take this club to new heights.”*
Leeds’ Premier League Aspirations Should Dismiss Feeder Club Speculation
While Rangers remain one of Scotland’s most historic clubs, their domestic dominance has waned since last winning the Scottish Premiership in 2020-21. Even with fresh investment, success won’t be immediate.
Leeds, on the other hand, are a club on the rise. If they achieve promotion, they will be well-positioned to build a squad capable of thriving in the Premier League. With financial support from the 49ers and Farke’s managerial experience at the top level, the focus will be on securing long-term stability in England’s top flight.
Given Leeds’ stature, history, and the financial disparity between the Premier League and the Scottish Premiership, the idea of them playing second fiddle to Rangers seems highly improbable. The sheer revenue generated by even a mid-table Premier League club far surpasses anything Rangers can bring in domestically.
At the end of the day, football is a business, and money talks. With the resources and global reach that Leeds can tap into under the 49ers, there is little chance of them being anything but a top priority. West Yorkshire is not the place for a feeder club arrangement, and if Leeds solidify their Premier League status, they will remain in control of their own future, regardless of any connections to Rangers.
Alious
