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When Rangers fans look back on this season, there’s no doubt it will be remembered as one of frustration - though there has been shoots of recovery under interim boss Barry Ferguson recently.
Losing the Scottish League Cup final on penalties in December, the Glasgow giants are 13 points behind Celtic at the top of the table, and have already been dumped out of the Scottish Cup by second tier outfit Queen’s Park. However, they have booked a Europa League quarter final spot and achieved big wins over Celtic, Dundee and Kilmarnock domestically.
Off the pitch, a deal for 49ers Enterprises to takeover the club was reportedly agreed in principle earlier this month, and Rangers fans are hopeful that it can kick start the dawn of a new successful era. According to AI tool Grok, the 49ers owners would likely prioritize four key signings within budget, and sanction one big (£20M). It adds that they will look to blend youth and experience, alongside some fresh new faces.
They add Rangers lineup would likely aim to challenge Celtic domestically and hold its own in Europe, with the 49ers’ pragmatic, sustainable approach more likely than a flashy revolution. But what would Rangers’ starting XI look like come their first game of the season if the 49ers were to take the helm in Govan?
For a bit of fun, we decided to ask Grok what Rangers summer transfer windows and dream starting XI could look if the 49ers complete a takeover of the club in the coming months:
5. LB: Owen Beck
A surprise name added to the list, Beck would be a £4-6million target from Liverpool according to Grok, who say his Dundee loan shows he can handle Scottish football. They add that he would be an 'upgrade' on Ridvan Yilmaz, while Jefte is mentioned as a potential departure, with Chelsea showing some interest in January, according to reports. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
6. CM: Connor Barron
The young Scottish midfielder has had a good first season at Ibrox, and his energy and potential make him a good fit the 49ers’ youth-focused blueprint—no replacement needed yet. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
7. CM: Mohammed Diomande
At 23, Diomande’s versatility and work rate make him a mainstay. Grok believes the 49ers will raise funds from the sale of Nicolas Raskin in the summer, meaning the Ivorian steps up as a senior midfielder alongside Barron. | Andrew Milligan Photo: Andrew Milligan
8. CAM: Tom Lawrence
A big surprise to see the Wales international named in the starting XI. Grok thinks the experienced midfielder will agree a new deal, with the 49ers keen to add experience to balance a youthful influx. Admittedly a long-term successor might be scouted, though. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images