By Kieran Maguire

24th Sep, 2023 | 12:54pm

Kieran Maguire drops 'incredible' Rangers claim after source's '£31m' reveal

It is crucial for Rangers to reach the Europa League knockout stages this season from a financial perspective.

That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who spoke exclusively to Football Insider about the financial boost that European progress would provide Rangers.

The Glasgow giants posted record turnover of £86.8million in their 2021/22 accounts, which was hugely inflated by the club’s run to the Europa League final.

Rangers revealed that their progress in the European tournament was worth £30.5million to the club including prize money, coefficient payments and broadcast fees.

Michael Beale’s side started their Europa League campaign on Thursday with a 1-0 win over Real Betis at Ibrox as they look to emulate their success from 2021/22.

Maguire believes progress in Europe will be a financial priority for Rangers despite it being a ‘very tough’ competition due to the involvement of Liverpool.

“Yes, compared to the money they make from the Scottish Premiership, the Europa League TV deal is incredibly lucrative,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.

“A lot of that will be swallowed up in the cost of hosting games and the cost of wages because players will be incentivized through their employment contracts.

“But we did see in 2021/22 that merchandise sales were at record levels because of the club’s progress domestically and in Europe.

“So getting through the group stage and making progress in what is going to be a very tough Europa League is crucial.

“Liverpool are there and potentially we could see Man United drop down into the competition.

“So it is a very demanding tournament but Rangers can also benefit from that by charging more for tickets and hospitality boxes.“

In other news, Kieran Maguire shares ‘£22m’ Graham Potter payout reveal after Rangers sack update