Rangers Told They Can Bridge £40m Celtic Gap with New Owner
Rangers are undergoing significant changes, with John Bennett stepping down as chairman and a search underway for a new CEO to replace James Bisgrove. Amidst this transformation, finance expert Stefan Borson suggests that fresh investment, potentially from a new owner, could help Rangers close the £40m gap with Celtic.
Borson, a former Manchester City adviser, emphasizes the importance of returning to the Champions League. He believes this would have a transformative impact on Rangers’ finances, enabling them to compete with Celtic.
“Rangers have got to get back in the Champions League,” Borson told Football Insider. “If you can get back in the Champions League, it has an outsize impact… Given the other revenue streams and the very light domestic TV deal, if you can get into the Champions League and earn those Champions League revenues, it is going to be transformational for Rangers.”
The finance expert estimates that Rangers’ absence from the Champions League results in a £20-£40m revenue and profit deficit compared to Celtic. To bridge this gap, Borson stresses the need for significant investment.
“They need to get back into the Champions League, and any new owner that can invest such that they achieve that is going to make a big difference,” he added. “That’s got to be their big target.”
Speculation surrounds potential investment from the Far East, which could facilitate Rangers’ return to the Champions League. A new owner with substantial financial resources could revolutionize the club’s fortunes.
Key points:
- Rangers are undergoing significant changes, with a new chairman and CEO imminent.
- Finance expert Stefan Borson suggests fresh investment could bridge the £40m gap with Celtic.
- Returning to the Champions League is crucial for Rangers’ financial competitiveness.
- Borson estimates a £20-£40m revenue and profit deficit due to Rangers’ Champions League absence.
- Significant investment is necessary to achieve Champions League qualification.
As Rangers navigate this critical period, the potential for new ownership and investment offers hope for a brighter future. Closing the gap with Celtic would be a monumental achievement, and Champions League qualification would be a significant step toward achieving this goal.