Could Glasgow Rangers become Red Bull Rangers?
General view of Ibrox – Rangers
Speculation is growing that energy drinks firm Red Bull could be set to invest in Scottish giants Rangers, with STV News among those to include it in their rumour mill section.
The Gers play against Red Bull Leipzig in a January friendly, with the company owning a number of football clubs around the world, from America to Brazil, but as yet none in Britain.
While a name change to Red Bull Rangers would be undoubtedly controversial, one benefit would be big investment in signings. With Rangers’ recent financial trouble, is it a risk worth taking?
Let’s take a giant leap and say it were to go ahead, here are five dream signings Rangers could use their new found wealth to try and pull off…
Oliver Burke
Oliver Burke in action for RB Leipzig
This one makes real sense. Burke plays for Red Bull Leipzig after signing from Nottingham Forest this summer, and is one of Scotland’s most highly rated young talents.
The 19-year-old winger has been described as Scotland’s Gareth Bale, and could be a superstar poster boy for the new Rangers for years to come.
Ross McCormack
Aston Villa’s Ross McCormack in action with Sheffield Wednesday’s Tom Lees
Former Rangers striker Ross McCormack was sold by Paul Le Guen in 2006 and has gone onto have an impressive career in England’s second tier, and is a Scotland international.
He made a big money move to Aston Villa in the summer, but with Steve Bruce taking over and Jonathan Kodjia already usurping him as the club’s main man, McCormack, 30, could be tempted into making a return if the money was right.
Ryan Gauld
Scotland’s Ryan Gauld (R) in action with Montenegro’s Nikola Vujnovic
Another Scottish wonderkid, Ryan Gauld has been serving his football apprenticeship at Sporting Lisbon after leaving Dundee United in 2014.
The attacking midfielder was even dubbed Scotland’s Messi, and while he is yet to get close to fulfilling that potential, the 20-year-old certainly has an exciting future. Rangers would do well to try and harness, matching Leipzig’s strategy of investing in youth.
Robin van Persie
Manchester United’s Memphis Depay in action with Fenerbahce’s Robin van Persie and Souza
Rangers fans will remember the club being linked to Dutch striker Robin van Persie in the summer, but a move did not materialise and he remained with Fenerbahce – where he has netted seven goals in 12 games.
The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker has played at Ibrox before with Feyenoord and spoke positively about the club. At 33 could have one final challenge left in him, and would score goals for fun in the Scottish Premiership.
Yaya Toure
Manchester City’s Yaya Toure celebrates scoring their second goal with team mates
Even Red Bull may not be able to match the salary Toure is on at Manchester City, but whichever move the Ivorian decides to take next, he will likely have to accept a pay cut.
The 33-year-old is a dominant midfielder who could be tempted by going up against his brother Kolo who is at rivals Celtic, and unlike Joey Barton, he would be a powerhouse who Scott Brown would struggle to compete with.
Forget the potential name change, who would you want Rangers to sign if they got taken over?
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