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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Josh McCafferty

Expert explains Celtic's 'huge' financial advantage over Rangers amid takeover

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire says Celtic have a 'huge' financial advantage over Rangers, despite the club's recent takeover. 

A consortium led by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises recently assumed control in Govan, putting an initial £20 million investment into the Ibrox side. 

Celtic, however, still have a considerable upper hand when it comes to money, as recently explained by Maguire on talkSport


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He said: "Celtic have got £77 million in the bank. So, £20 million compared to that is relatively minor. 

"In terms of the wage bill, they're [Celtic and Rangers] pretty much neck and neck. In terms of the total actual investment in the squad, they're very similar. 

"Where Celtic have got a huge advantage is through qualifying for the Champions League on a regular basis. Last year, their revenue was £35m to £40m higher than that of Rangers, because it's Champions League or nowhere when it comes to the benefits of being in European competition."

Celtic have qualified for the Champions League in each of the previous three seasons. They could make it four in a row this summer. 

That might be easier said than done, however, given that Brendan Rodgers' men must negotiate a nerve-shredding play-off. 

They will be seeded for the draw and could face the likes of FC Basel, FCSB, Lech Poznan, Slovan Bratislava, or Rijeka. A full list of potential opponents will be confirmed nearer the time. 

Celtic know the vast pot of gold that lies at the end of the rainbow should they successfully negotiate the tie. 

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