Celtic at risk of 'life-changing' blow that could 'tip them over the edge': 'Watch for fireworks'
Celtic are in danger of potentially missing out on up to £40million in revenue as their Champions League play-off tie approaches.
That is according to former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Bhoys could be on the receiving end of another upset in Europe.
Celtic will learn their opponents for the play-off round in Monday's draw, with Austrian side LASK and Kairat Almaty, who knocked them out at the same stage last season, both possible outcomes.
Wyness questioned why the Celtic board haven't "pushed the boat out" more in terms of their transfer business ahead of the upcoming tie, and made it clear that he is "very concerned" about their chances.
The first leg of the Bhoys' tie will take place on either 18 or 19 August, before the return leg the following week.
Martin O'Neill's men are just one round away from netting an eye-watering sum of money for the club, but there is genuine concern that they could fall at the final hurdle.
Champions League revenue 'life-changing' for Celtic
Aberdeen's former chief Wyness - who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004 and now runs a consultancy business advising elite clubs - believes that Celtic's board have taken a "big risk" by not investing more in the squad ahead of their Champions League tie.
He made it clear that a place in the league phase of the competition would provide "life-changing" money for a Scottish Premiership club.
However, speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, he explained why the tie will be far from easy for Celtic, regardless of who they draw.
"It's everything for Celtic, and this is what I'm saying: they could have had another two signings at £10m, and still could have easily made that money back by qualifying for the group stage," Wyness said.
"In a decent group stage, if they did well and won a few games, they could be looking at £40m, and that's life-changing in Scottish football. It's something you can't possibly earn domestically.
"There are some difficult teams in there, and it's a difficult situation for Celtic. The whole season rests on this for them financially and everything else. And I don't know why the board has not pushed the boat out earlier to get a stronger squad.
"Another two quality signings could have come in, had a chance to acclimatise and get two or three weeks in before those fixtures. That's what I'm very concerned about.
"I am watching this one very closely. The draw will be key. The draw could be lucky for them. But we all know that some of these teams will have put themselves together quite well; they've been playing a few more games than Celtic have, so it's not going to be easy.
"If O'Neill navigates this and they get into the group stages, then everybody will be happy. But if they don't, watch out for the fireworks at Celtic. There will be a revolution. I'm telling you, that will be enough to push the fans right over the edge."
Mika Baur has 'heart set' on joining Celtic
Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur has his "heart set" on joining Celtic as soon as possible.
The 22-year-old is hugely keen on a move to Parkhead, and the two clubs are currently in advanced talks over a deal for the starlet.
Baur was left out by Paderborn in their pre-season friendly in midweek, and there is now a willingness from all parties for him to move to Glasgow.
The attacking midfielder notched nine goal involvements in the German second tier last term, and is likely to be taking his talents to Celtic in the near future.