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Celtic are competing with Portuguese runners-up Benfica when it comes to yearly wages.

This surprise stat found by a Swiss blogger shows The Hoops only £1 million off the European heavyweights.

However, the two teams are on clearly different paths when it comes to the highest level.

Why are The Bhoys’ fortunes on the field different to the Eagles’?

Celtic and Benfica are in a similar market

The wages league table in question comes from @SwissRamble – a British blogger in Switzerland.

The table shows the wages paid this season across all Europa League clubs in the last 32.

Celtic are in the lower-middle half of the table, surprisingly ahead of Villarreal and Red Bull Salzburg.

The Hoops currently shell out £59 million in wages and are only a million behind Benfica.

Both teams are known as development teams in Europe, buying young players for low amounts and selling them on a couple of years later for high profits.

However, this number may be skewed by the fact Celtic have 42 registered professional players to Benfica’s 27.

This shouldn’t be a surprise to Hoops fans to know the squad is bloated and in need of trimming down.

Coming so close to the Champions League regulars should get fans asking questions on performances and current place in football.

Table shows Hoops can’t compete Valencia

Celtic were rightfully defeated on Thursday by Valencia at Parkhead, a stronger team with an abundance of quality ball players.

The Spaniards pay £9 million more than their Scottish opponents, allowing for the likes of Kevin Gameiro and Santi Mina to wear the white and black.

Perhaps the Celtic faithful shouldn’t be too disheartened about the result when it comes down to the finances.

However, if Brendan Rodgers and co want to get into the Champions League, money must be spent.

The board just posted £38 million in the bank last week and only forked out for one first team buy in January in Vakoun Bayo.

This summer will be a rebuilding job as the squad face more early qualifiers.

Fail to prepare then prepare to fail – it’s as simple as that, Peter Lawwell.