Two down, one to go! Celtic star Matt O’Riley will NOT be heading for Southampton after the Saints manager today confirmed that his club will not chase his signature.
In an interview with Alex Crook, Russell Martin said that his side are “not in the race right now” for the midfielder. This follows on from Brighton making alternative arrangements earlier this week.
This leaves lowballing Atalanta as the likely destination for the Dane should they improve their bid.
This afternoon, the Europa League champions submitted a bid worth €25m. The general consensus is that this bid will be the next in line to be rejected, with Celtic likely seeking an additional €5m to allow O’Riley to leave.
READ THIS…Atalanta’s €4,146.250.89 shortfall for Matt O’Riley
Italian sports journalist Nicolò Schira told his 329,800 X followers today that O’Riley has agreed personal terms with Atalanta for a contract until 2029. He claims that the Italian outfit are keen to get this deal over the line so that they can cash in on Teun Koopmeiners, a target of Juventus.
One less club in for our star man means that we have a higher chance of keeping him. I think I speak for a lot of us when I say, thank you Brendan Rodgers and the club for standing your ground on his valuation and please don’t blink before the Italians. If they want to sign Matt then they have to meet the asking price. That’s been the Celtic stance all along and it will be known to the player and his advisors.
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With both Brighton and Southampton out of the running that leaves Atalanta who hopefully will be unwilling to meet the Celtic valuation. With the Champions League just around the corner, and a Glasgow Derby the day after the window closes, Matt might just fancy hanging around for another season.
In other news, Celtic are reportedly interested in a wonderkid who could be O’Riley’s replacement should he leave the club in this window.
Down at Staplewood to interview Russell Martin ahead of #SaintsFC Premier League return this weekend pic.twitter.com/pfvLeOAFj8
— Alex Crook ⚽️🎙 (@alex_crook) August 14, 2024
Jessica Elliott
