Matt O’Riley is wanted by a handful of Spanish sides as the summer transfer window really starts to intensify for Celtic. After having seen the additions of Odin Thiago Holm and Marco Tilio, as well as tying down some of our key assets on new long-term and lucrative deals, it appears more of our stars are being courted by clubs abroad.
The latest name in the frame is Danish midfielder O’Riley, who is said to be wanted in La Liga, by Sevilla, Valencia and Real Betis, all taking a cursory glance at the versatile engine-room man. That’s according to the Daily Mail, who has reported that Betis are even considering sending an offer to Celtic Park for the hierarchy to mull over within the next few days.
Matt O’Riley of Celtic controls the ball during the Celtic vs St Mirren Cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park on May 20, 2023 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
The 22-year-old was signed from MK Dons in the 2022 January transfer window, when Ange Postecoglou was still in the first year of his rebuild at the club. A total snip at just £1.5 million, Matt was signed after the club tried and failed to sign Aussie midfielder, Riley McGree. The latter decided to try his luck in the English Championship with Middlesbrough and missed out big time with the chance to win silverware and play Champions League football.
With Brendan Rodgers having lost Jota and Aaron Mooy retiring, it’s hard to see the former Liverpool boss wanting to lose yet another top talent. Although Betis may make a bid as the report in the Daily Mail states, it’s highly unlikely they have the required funds to tempt Celtic into a player destined to be an international star for his country in the not too distant future.
You want him come get him, £20 million.