Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has offered some clarification regarding the state of play over Matt O’Riley’s long-term future at Parkhead.
O’Riley has been pivotal in the context of the Hoops’ push for a domestic double, registering 16 goals and 17 assists across 46 appearances across all competitions this term [Transfermarkt].
According to reports in Denmark, the 23-year-old is mooted to be in negotiations with two unnamed Premier League clubs over a potential summer transfer after he was voted Celtic’s Young Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year, and Player of the Year at the OVO Hydro last Sunday.
Now, the Bhoys sit on the cusp of Scottish Premiership success with just two matches remaining, and with the campaign coming to a close, speculation has started to ramp up surrounding prospective incomings and outgoings in Glasgow’s east end.
Speaking ahead of Celtic’s trip to face Kilmarnock tomorrow night at Rugby Park, Rodgers has taken it upon himself to address rumours mentioned in the same breath as the former MK Dons man.
Brendan Rodgers clarifies Matt O’Riley speculation
Undoubtedly, Celtic fans will be desperate for some confirmation on O’Riley as intense speculation circulates about the Denmark international.
In his press conference before pitting his wits against Derek McInnes tomorrow, Rodgers stated when pressed on whether the club would entertain any summer bids for his services [Celtic FC]: “No, not at all. We don’t have to sell; we’re not in a position to do that, but of course, if something comes in, like it happens at Celtic, it’ll always be looked at, but there’s not a need to sell.”
“Matt’s had an absolutely brilliant season for us. It’s great testament to his professionalism and how he’s developed as a football player.
“Naturally, those players will attract attention, if you’ve done well at a club with this status and pressure then naturally the attention will come, but its not something I’ll lose sleep about.”
Matt O’Riley has gone up a level under Brendan Rodgers
Unless you haven’t laid eyes on Celtic this season, it is clear to see O’Riley has become a pivotal player under Rodgers’ stewardship, incrementally improving his eye for goal, technique, and chance creation.
Per Fotmob, the 23-year-old leads the way for the Hoops on Scottish Premiership duty in metrics such as chances laid on (86), ‘big chances’ fashioned (13), average match rating (8.02/10), and Expected Assists (10.4), which is a remarkable return for someone still nowhere near his peak.
Celtic are bound to field high-profile interest in O’Riley this summer, the same way they did in January when La Liga giants Atletico Madrid came calling, though it remains to be seen how much they may command for his signature.
Last October, world-renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed that only a ‘Scottish record transfer fee’ would entice him from Parkhead. That has to be the minimum requirement should any sale occur, which may not be as likely as some think after Rodgers’ comments.
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