Stephen McGowan of the Scottish Daily Mail has revealed that Rangers are struggling to attract potential investors willing to finance a full takeover of the club.
Writing in the paper’s print edition on 14 January (page 74), McGowan highlighted that any prospective new owners would also have to contend with increasing Financial Fair Play (FFP) constraints at Ibrox.
Meanwhile, Rangers supporters have ramped up their protests against the current board and directors. However, the £22 million in loans provided by the board remains a significant obstacle to any potential takeover.
McGowan wrote: “Where you cannot fault the directors is their personal financial commitment, which presently stands at £22million in loans.
“This sum, as much as anything, represents a huge barrier to the kind of regime change many fans would now like to see.
“The lack of interested parties prepared to buy out the board and operate under increasingly tight FFP restrictions is another.”
Concerned Rangers fans are facing a situation with no clear resolution in sight. Despite a string of disappointing results, Patrick Stewart has publicly backed Philippe Clement, while the current board seems unlikely to step aside anytime soon.
The substantial outstanding loans are likely deterring fresh investors, effectively acting as a safeguard for those currently in charge. Stewart and Fraser Thornton, though relatively new to their roles, find themselves under immediate pressure at the helm of Rangers Football Club.
Adding to the frustration, the Scottish Premiership title appears all but secured by Celtic, an unacceptable reality so early into 2025.
While there was hope for external investment back in October—albeit not a complete takeover—even that has failed to materialize in the months since, as noted by Chris Jack.
Fans’ concerns are entirely valid, but an immediate solution for the challenges facing Rangers in Govan doesn’t seem to be on the horizon.
