Opinion: Champions League can give Celtic edge in transfer battle

It has been reported by the Daily Record that Belgian side KRC Genk are, just like Celtic, interested in signing Aberdeen midfielder Connor Barron.

The report states that Genk watched the player in action for Scotland’s under-21 side against Belgium, a game which Celtic also reportedly watched the player at.

If it is correct that Genk are interested in the player, there could be a transfer battle between the Hoops and the Belgian side.

So if Aberdeen do decide to sell the starlet, what could give the Hoops the edge in any potential battle between the two teams to sign the player?

The answer to that is the Champions League. As every Celtic fans knows, the Hoops will be returning to the group stage of Europe’s biggest club competition for the first time in five years next season.

Gallery: Ranked! The 10 best players who won't be going to the World Cup (FourFourTwo)

Genk will not be featuring in the tournament after finishing eighth in the Jupiler Pro League last season. The chance to feature in the Champions League is something that Celtic can offer Barron that Genk can’t, and perhaps other teams that may eventually show interest in the player can’t.

Celtic really should be using the chance to feature in the Champions League when it comes to the club signing any player in the summer transfer window.

It can’t be overlooked just how big a deal it is for the Hoops to be back in the tournament for the first time in five years. For financial and prestigious reasons, it is huge for the Bhoys. 

It can also be pointed out to any potential signings that Celtic players who impressed in the Champions League moved on to clubs and the Hoops made a huge profit – Victor Wanyama and Moussa Dembele are two examples of that, playing in the