‘They have £77m’ – Finance expert Kieran Maguire drops Celtic and Rangers claim after club statement

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The financial side of the game has gone through the roof in recent times, and Celtic have hugely benefited from it in Scotland.

With success comes more money, and Celtic’s 14 titles out of the last 15 seasons, added with continued Champions League football, means that they outdo everyone in front of them, including loudmouth Rangers.

For several months now, the Celtic Park faithful would have heard about new investment coming into Ibrox, as they try to do everything they can to stop the Hoops’ all-out dominance of Scottish football.

It’s becoming so one-sided that Celtic missing out on a Treble is now seen as a disappointment, and a loud cheer for those on the other side.

But Rangers’ latest tactic is trying to pump some more money into their club, with the help of the 49ers Enterprise group, who also own Premier League outfit Leeds United.

• READ MORE: Celtic to bank up to ‘£3m’ after what Dermot Desmond has just agreed, ‘nice fee’ says finance expert

Celtic and Rangers’ financial difference

When the 49ers’ investment in Rangers was confirmed, the club released a statement sharing that ‘£20 million’ will be put on the table to spend.

But finance expert Kieran Maguire told talkSPORT that Celtic have ‘£77 million in the bank’ compared to that £20 million, added to the fact that the champions of Scotland’s revenue is ‘£40 million higher’ than those at Ibrox.

This is despite the wage bill and total investment in the squads being ‘very similar’.

“Celtic have got £77 million in the bank,” said Maguire. “So, £20 million (Rangers’ new investors) compared to that is relatively minor.

“Simon (Jordan) rightfully said, ‘it’s a start’. But if that’s going to be the finish figure as well. I think Rangers fans would be disappointed.

“In terms of the wage bill, they are pretty much neck and neck. In terms of the total investment in squad, they are very similar.

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

How much money did Celtic earn in the Champions League this season compared to other teams?

Europe’s elite competition is where the pot of gold is, and it’s where everyone wants to be, even those in billion-pound leagues, such as the English Premier League.

The issue for Celtic is that they have to qualify for the 2025/25 Champions League campaign, so that is absolutely paramount because the financial side of it is very rewarding.

With PSG winning the Champions League, they banked the most money (£121.7 million), with losing finalists Inter next on the list, and Celtic were 25th from the 36 teams that participated in UEFA’s revamped competition.