Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported the news that Europa League holders Atalanta, who have already had three bids rejected by Celtic, have returned with a fourth bid this evening.
3rd February 2024 Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen, Scotland Scottish Premiership Football, Aberdeen versus Celtic Matt O’Riley. Photo Vagelis Georgariou
Romano references Matteo Moretto who posted details on the third Atalanta offer which this time is worth €23m, while acknowledging that this is still €5m short of Celtic’s asking price. This evening’s updates also recognise Brighton’s strong interest in signing the Celtic midfielder.
What is clear from Celtic’s point of view is that no deal will be tolerated that fails to meet Celtic’s asking price, so the Italian side who last season won silverware for the first time since the early 1960s, will likely be reminded of the asking price for the THIRD time in recent weeks.
There are rumours that Matt O’Riley is not sold on Brighton as his next destination as he aspires to playing Champions League football. He can get that at Celtic or indeed Atalanta but the latter opportunity will only emerge if the Italian side finally understands that Celtic will NOT sell for less than €28m.
At his media conference yesterday, which The Celtic Star attended, Brendan Rodgers had this to say about Matt O’Riley and the ongoing transfer speculation.
“For the likes of Matt, he’s been fantastic. People might say ‘Do you have to be not nice to get a move’ and that’s not the case. He’s a good guy, his training is exemplary and if a club meets the valuation that the club thinks he is worth and can go then that will happen. I repeat, the value of the players will have to be matched before the club can consider it.
Celtic v Chelsea Jul 27, 2024 South Bend, IN, USA Celtic player Matt OÕRiley is congratulated by teammates after scoring goal against Chelsea. Photo Matt Cashore
“We don’t want Matt to go, first and foremost. We know the club’s model and how it works, but there’s no rush to move Matt. We would love him to stay here and be here. I can see it in himself – he’s really happy. If you have the chance to change the conditions in your life and a club makes an offer that is of great value, then you have to look at it. There always needs to be that contingency in place, for sure.”
So that should have been clear enough for Atalanta, Brighton and any other club with an interest in signing Matt O’Riley.
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