Why even a £25m bid for Matt O’Riley must be rejected in January window

Matt’s undoubtedly the best in the country at this moment in time…

Matt O’Riley scored a vital goal on Sunday against St Johnstone, one that is an early contender for goal of the season. He is playing the best football of his career at the moment and is excellent form at Celtic has even seen him win his first full international cap for Denmark.

His return of seven goals and seven assists in just 20 games in all competitions this campaign thus far is very impressive indeed. Much of that is down to the influence of Brendan Rodgers of course. Matt was an excellent player last season under Ange Postecoglou, but Brendan seems to have brought his game up to a new level, with the crucial addition or goalscoring to his game.

So much so that he is undoubtedly the best player in the country at the moment and it’s so clear that it’s not up for a debate.

Matt O’Riley can find the net, he can assist, and he works his socks off in the middle of the park. He’s the complete player and one we are very lucky to have at Celtic, so we should enjoy watching him in the Hoops while we can.

He will inevitably be attracting the attention. Bigger clubs than Leeds United who put in a low-ball £10 million bid for him in the summer transfer window, will now show interest and the valuation of around £25million is unlikely to be unachievable if and when Celtic decide to cash in on a player who signed a new contract in the summer.

For now and hopefully for another year or two, Matt O’Riley is a Celtic player so we should enjoy him while he’s still here, because if he keeps up this form several clubs are bound to come knocking on the door.

Every player has his valuation at Celtic and the Boardroom seldom if ever walk away from an offer that meets the price that Celtic want for any player. What however cannot be considered is any transfer thoughts for the January window involving our top players, and Matt O’Riley is undoubtedly in that category.

Brendan Rodgers said last week that there is a glaring lack of quality in his over-sized squad. Cut the numbers by all means but not the stars that we have. Even a £25m bid in January should not be considered by the club, however desirable that cheque may appear to those in the Boardroom.

Matt spoke to the media yesterday afternoon ahead of the Scottish Premiership match against Hibs at Celtic Park tomorrow evening. Here’s what happened…

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

READ THIS…50th Anniversary of Harry Hood’s sensational hat-trick against Rangers

Harry’s great friend and former Celtic teammate Tommy Callaghan with biographer Matt Corr signing copies of Harry Hood – Twice as Good

Order a copy of Harry Hood – Twice as Good today from Celtic Star Books. We’ll guarantee speedy delivery and if you add a personal Christmas message to the notes section MATT CORR will be happy to sign the book and also handwrite your dedication, making it an ideal Christmas gift for a Celtic supporter who perhaps 50 years ago this evening was a Hampden watching Harry Hood skelp the old Rangers!

Click on the image to order your copy signed by author MATT CORR and if you add a personal Christmas message to the notes section Matt will be pleased to add that for you!

About Author

An ordinary everyday Celtic supporters hailing and still residing in Govan in the shadows of the enemy. I’m a season ticket holder. I Witnessed my first Celtic game in 1988 and have attended when I can ever since. Growing up in the 90s I witnessed Celtic at their lowest, and now appreciate the historic success we enjoy today. I enjoy writing about this wonderful football club and hopefully will continue to do so. I’ve always been a keen writer and initially started this a hobby. My ambition is to one day become as good an author as my fellow Celtic Star colleagues.

1 Comment

  1. With the ludicrous transfer fees in the epl he has now got to be in the 30 – 40 millions price range which is worrying as this board will accept anything in this range due to their total lack of ambition and money in the bank attitude.