Matt O’Riley is happy at Celtic Park despite the high interest in him from various quarters. That’s according to transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano, who claims that the young Danish midfielder has admirers in both Germany and England as it stands, in the aftermath of his great display at Rugby Park on Sunday afternoon.
Matt started the season extremely well and up until the World Cup, the former Fulham man was very assured – both in Europe and domestic action. However, post-World Cup the 22-year-old has really struggled for any kind of steady or meaningful form. This is to be expected though, as he is still very young and relatively inexperienced in the game.
Just like Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda after they arrived from the J-League last January, the ex-MK Dons player might have just run out of steam perhaps in a Celtic jersey, particularly after such an explosive and impressive start to life in Glasgow’s East End. The trio’s magnificent contribution to the cause last season helped grapple back the cinch Premiership crown at the first time of asking, let’s not forget.
It stands to reason then that a blip in consistency and form was bound to come into contention along the road for Matty. Despite all this, he looked to be on the path to recovery and showed signs of his old best on Sunday in the Scottish Premiership match-up between us and Derek McInnes’ men. He scored two and set up one for Kyogo on the day and looked like the Matt O’Riley of last year.
Romano said of the Denmark U-21 cap:
“Matt O’Riley, understood to be happy at Celtic even after a few Premier League and Bundesliga clubs have shown serious interest in him.
“The 22-year-old midfielder has 16 goals/assists for Celtic this season.”
Matt O’Riley, understood to be happy at Celtic even after a few Premier League and Bundesliga clubs have shown serious interest in him. 🟢 #transfers
The 22-year-old midfielder has 16 goals/assists for Celtic this season. pic.twitter.com/ONK8dHFI2x
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 19, 2023
With the midfielder contracted to 2026, just like Liel Abada, and with him not making any rumblings about wanting to move on from Parkhead, Celtic’s powerbrokers and Ange Postecoglou won’t be running scared about interest. As the boss has said many a time before: interest in your players means your doing something right. It’s only natural other sides are watching Matt considering his age and profile.
Paul Gillespie
