Rangers secure multi-million windfall after development in last 24 hours
Rangers will reap the rewards of reaching the Europa League knockout stages after a classic victory over Real Betis as they pocket £3million, according to Daily Record.
The Scottish news outlet reported [15 December, page 49] that taking of three points and top spot in Group C was not the only positive from Thursday night, with the Gers rewarded with several bonuses for their performances.
In addition to £3million in prize money, the club will receive 14 coefficient points and a seeded spot in the last 16.
A smash-and-grab victory against Betis meant that Rangers avoided a drop-down to the Europa Conference League. And being seeded for the next stage also takes the pressure off, bypassing the knockout playoff round, and the Champions League dropouts lurking.
It could have been a very different feeling around Ibrox, though. It was a win for Rangers, but a bust for Betis.
Reap the rewards
The prize money could be a massive boost for Philippe Clement ahead of the January transfer window. Michael Beale’s spending spree last summer could affect the club’s spending this season but prize money from the Europa League can only help.
But more importantly, Rangers’ schedule will be thankful that they do not need to play any extra games to progress in European competition, with December already including nine fixtures.
With the Gers’ injury crisis in midfield, the money could be invested in a new box-to-box midfielder. Ryan Jack and Nico Raskin have been huge misses, with Jose Cifuentes’ absence only making a mark.
Todd Cantwell and Tom Lawrence were also missing against Betis, which makes Thursday’s victory all the more impressive. But Clement will not want to depend on the same players in every game this season.
£3million could go much further than some may realise.
In other Rangers news, Andy Halliday has urged Clement to axe Ridvan Yilmaz for the Viaplay Cup final at Hampden.