Speculation surrounding the future of Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley has been rife in the media this summer, with the possibility of a record-breaking transfer fee on the horizon. As Celtic prepares for life without the influential 23-year-old, clubs such as Atalanta and Brighton & Hove Albion have been linked with a move for the talented midfielder.
O’Riley’s journey to stardom began at a young age when he joined Fulham’s academy at just eight years old. He made his first-team debut at 16 in an EFL Cup match against Wycombe Wanderers but struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup. After rejecting a new contract offer from Fulham, O’Riley made the move to MK Dons in League One, where he showcased his goal-scoring prowess with 10 goals in 54 appearances.
In January 2022, Celtic swooped in to secure O’Riley’s services for a reported fee of £1.5m, matching his release clause. Since then, O’Riley has been a key figure for the club, helping them to three league titles, two Scottish Cup wins, and a League Cup triumph. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Atletico Madrid having a bid rejected earlier in the year, and clubs like Atalanta and Brighton now vying for his signature.
O’Riley’s Impact at Celtic
Since his arrival at Celtic, O’Riley has been a standout performer in the Scottish Premiership. He leads the league in assists, with 29 to his name, showcasing his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. His goal-scoring record is equally impressive, with 25 goals over the past two seasons, putting him among the top scorers in the league.
O’Riley’s influence extends beyond just goals and assists. He leads the league in chances created and touches in the box, highlighting his importance in the attacking third. His ability to deliver successful crosses and contribute defensively make him a well-rounded midfielder capable of impacting all areas of the pitch.
Rodgers’ Reluctance to Sell
Despite the interest from other clubs, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has made it clear that he does not want to lose O’Riley. He has praised the midfielder’s mentality in handling the speculation surrounding his future and emphasized his importance to the team. Rodgers has stated that he would need to acquire multiple players to replace O’Riley’s contributions, underscoring the difficulty of finding a like-for-like replacement.
As Celtic prepares for the Champions League, Rodgers is focused on strengthening the squad rather than relying on funds from a potential sale of O’Riley. He acknowledges the midfielder’s value to the team and believes that any offer would need to surpass the club’s record transfer fee to consider letting him go. With O’Riley’s contract situation uncertain, Celtic faces the challenge of retaining their star midfielder amidst growing interest from top clubs.
Potential Suitors
Atalanta and Brighton & Hove Albion have emerged as frontrunners in the race for O’Riley’s signature. Atalanta, fresh off their Europa League triumph, had been heavily linked with the midfielder but recently signed Lazar Samardzic from Udinese. This development could open the door for Brighton, who have been active in the transfer market under new head coach Fabian Hurzeler.
Brighton’s recent signings of Pascal Gross and Adam Lallana indicate a desire to inject youth into their squad, with O’Riley fitting the bill as a promising young talent. Hurzeler’s emphasis on dynamic midfield play could make O’Riley an attractive option for the Premier League club, despite their lack of European football this season. With veteran midfielder James Milner also in the mix, O’Riley’s arrival could signal a changing of the guard in Brighton’s midfield.
The competition for O’Riley’s services underscores his growing reputation in European football. His performances for Celtic have caught the eye of top clubs seeking a versatile midfielder capable of making an immediate impact. As the transfer window heats up, all eyes will be on O’Riley’s next move and the potential record-breaking fee that could accompany his departure from Celtic.
