Donald Trump, the former US president and business magnate, once seriously considered purchasing Rangers Football Club during one of the darkest periods in the club’s history.
In 2012, Rangers were embroiled in a financial crisis that saw them face administration, liquidation, and a subsequent demotion to the fourth tier of Scottish football.
Amidst the chaos, Trump expressed interest in taking over the financially troubled club, though ultimately, he was put off by its precarious situation.
At the time, Rangers were in desperate need of a buyer to pull them out of their financial mire. The club had just entered administration after falling into massive debt, and despite having a rich history and being one of Scotland’s most successful teams, the immediate future looked bleak.
Numerous individuals and groups came forward, attempting to secure the club’s future. Trump, known for his brash and bold business moves, was one of the high-profile names to enter the fray.
Trump’s interest in Rangers was not without foundation. The American billionaire had long harbored a deep connection to Scotland, having invested in the country through his luxury golf resort at Turnberry.
The golfing destination, which Trump purchased in 2014, was a key part of his international portfolio, and he had previously expressed a desire to extend his business empire into football.
His plan for Rangers was ambitious, envisioning a complete overhaul of the club to restore it to its former glory. Trump had often touted his success in turning around businesses and saw the situation at Ibrox as an opportunity to do the same.
He proposed significant financial backing to clear the club’s debts and invest in rebuilding the team, with the goal of returning Rangers to the top of Scottish football and competing in European competitions once again.
However, Trump’s enthusiasm for the project eventually waned. The financial complexity of the deal, coupled with Rangers’ dire situation, led him to walk away from the potential takeover.
At the time, many felt that the club’s financial troubles were too much for even a billionaire like Trump to navigate successfully.
In the end, Rangers were taken over by a consortium led by Charles Green, who successfully guided the club back into the Scottish Premiership.
Trump’s bid to buy Rangers remains a curious footnote in the club’s tumultuous history, a “what if” that never materialized but captured the imagination of football fans and business pundits alike.
Despite his failure to secure a deal with Rangers, Trump’s connection to Scotland has remained strong, with Turnberry still a key part of his golf business.
As the US presidential race heats up again, his brief flirtation with football ownership remains a fascinating chapter in his varied business career.