Finance expert makes £4m Rangers claim amid £112m Celtic update
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has suggested there isn’t a “significant” financial gap between Rangers and Celtic at present.
The Celts are reportedly (Daily Record, 26 March) on course for a “record-breaking” £112million in revenue, set to be announced in June 2023.
Despite the news, Maguire has insisted there was only £4million difference between the Old Firm clubs in the 2022 accounts and that Rangers’ wage bill was “heavily” incentivised.
“There was only a £4million difference in the 2022 accounts [compared to Celtic],” said Maguire (BBC Scotland, quoted by Daily Record, 6 April)
“But my understanding is that Rangers’ wage bill was heavily incentivised towards achieving success in getting to the Europa League final, as well as winning the Premiership.
“I don’t think the gap is significant. I think it would be down to an individual contract or the persuasiveness of the manager in terms of making a final decision from a player’s point of view. Monetarily, there’s not a lot of difference.”
Interesting
The board need to think on their feet. Celtic’s commercial work combined with their excellent recruitment and transfer business means they’re in a strong position off the field. It’s something Michael Beale will be looking to replicate and the additions of Nicolas Raskin and Todd Cantwell are a step in the right direction.
Raskin in particular could earn the club a significant amount in the future due to his age and potential to develop during his time in Scotland. There’s a lot to like about the signing, and Beale must ensure he targets players of a similar calibre when the season comes to an end.
The Hoops have done well recruiting from Asia and the Gers could well look to find a particular country or league to focus on. It can certainly prove to be a smart route to go down.
However, before attention can turn to the summer window, there’s the small issue of a must-win Old Firm Derby on the horizon for the Gers.
In other Rangers news, the club are in line for a multi-million windfall from the Premier League after a £10m Auchenhowie milestone was reached.