Rangers are now facing a potential blueprint for their search for a new sporting director, as reports suggest 49ers Enterprises is nearing a key appointment for the same role at their current football entity, Leeds United.
Last month, it was revealed that the US-based consortium is in advanced talks to purchase the shares of Rangers’ board members, paving the way for a potential takeover at Ibrox. In light of these developments, Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart recently confirmed that the club is actively working to appoint a figure who will work alongside technical director Nils Koppen in the hunt for a new permanent manager.
Reports emerging from Germany now claim Leeds United, also owned by the 49ers, is eyeing its own sporting director appointment. According to Sky Germany, Paraag Marathe, the 49ers chief and chairman of Leeds, has reportedly earmarked Samir Arabi, former Director of Football and Managing Director of Sport at Arminia Bielefeld, as a potential candidate for the role.
Leeds are undergoing a significant overhaul within their management structure, with current CEO Angus Kinnear rumored to be joining Everton next season. To support first-team manager Daniel Farke—who shares a nationality with Arabi—the club is said to be targeting the experienced sporting director to aid in their transfer dealings.