Celtic could land dream O’Riley replacement in £3m Bernardo rival
Speculation is rife regarding the future of Parkhead’s new talisman…
It looked set to be a nervous end to the transfer window for those of a Celtic persuasion, with speculation rife regarding the future of emerging talisman, Matt O’Riley, amid significant interest in the silky playmaker.
It was only six months ago that the Old Firm giants were forced to sanction the £25m sale of fan favourite Jota to Saudi Arabian side, Al Ittihad, with fears that history could repeat itself if O’Riley were to be poached over the coming days.
The former MK Dons man – who arrived on a bargain £1.5m deal back in January 2022 – has been the subject of interest from La Liga giants, Atletico Madrid, the Daily Mail reporting on Wednesday that the Spanish side were hoping to land the Denmark international on an initial loan deal that would include a £20m obligation to buy in the summer.
That report also suggested that a number of Premier League clubs could seek to rival that interest over the next week or so, albeit with Brendan Rodgers since quashing those claims after offering assurances that he will stay put – having rejected a proposal from Atleti.
Even if the 23-year-old – who was the subject of a £10m bid from Leeds United over the summer – does not depart before the close of the window, however, there would be an expectation that an exit will occur come the end of the season for the “best player in Scotland” at present, as described by former Celtic boss, Neil Lennon.
With that in mind, the Premiership side should already be contemplating how they can replace O’Riley in the centre of the park, be it in January or over the summer, ensuring they should step up their interest in one notable target.
Celtic could land £3m O’Riley replacement
A report from Football Scotland back in December revealed that the Glasgow side were ‘considering a move’ for Ivorian youngster, Romeo Amane, with the club having sent scouts to watch the Hacken midfielder in action in the Europa League against Qarabag.
Those at Parkhead were seemingly impressed with what they saw as the 20-year-old was ‘fast-tracked up the shortlist’ by the club’s hierarchy, with Celtic able to get their man for a reported fee of just £3m this month.
