Charlie Mulgrew’s honest verdict on whether Celtic will keep hold of Matt O’Riley

Add as preferred source on Google

Matt O’Riley is the name on every Celtic fan’s lips as questions about his future rule the roost heading into the final stage of the window.

Understandably, Brendan Rodgers won’t want to lose arguably his most influential player with only weeks remaining to sort out a replacement. Paulo Bernardo has been brought in and adds valuable depth to the engine room, but his arrival alone is unlikely to appease the support if O’Riley departs.

Brighton & Hove Albion have emerged as the frontrunners to sign the Denmark international. The Seagulls are mooted to have made an offer that could exceed £25 million, which could prove difficult for Celtic to turn down.

Atalanta have also made advances this window; nevertheless, the Europa League winners were rebuffed and haven’t returned to the table since.

O’Riley’s situation hangs in the balance, and Celtic fans are waiting on tenterhooks to see if their side can retain him at Parkhead. Yesterday, former Hoops defender Charlie Mulgrew offered his thoughts on the situation.

Charlie Mulgrew on Matt O’Riley’s future

Mulgrew has indicated that it would be ‘brilliant’ for everyone connected with Celtic if O’Riley were to stay on at the club. The Dane scored 19 goals and laid on 18 assists last term, so any prospective departure would sting for a while to come.

Despite this, he believes this may be a difficult endeavour, citing the potential finances on offer as something that could turn the tables.

He explained [The Celtic Way]: “That would be brilliant (if Celtic could keep O’Riley), but I don’t know how realistic it is for Celtic. I think that the way Celtic have operated in the past is when players come and excel, they’re given the opportunity to play in the Champions League at a team and a club like Celtic.

“Definitely, Celtic have sold in the last wee while, the last few years. If somebody comes calling with the offers that are being spoken about, it looks like they will, then you’d imagine, at some point, the window will go. If they can keep hold of Matt O’Riley, I’m sure everybody at the club would love to do that, but money talks, and if the right offer is made, he would need to go.”

Celtic need to have a contingency plan if O’Riley leaves

Truthfully, Celtic can’t afford to bury their head in the sand here. The possibility of O’Riley leaving is a distinctive one; you have to be prepared in case that unfolds.

Philidelphia Union midfielder Daniel Gadzag and Southampton’s Shea Charles have been mentioned as viable alternatives. Venezia star Tanner Tessmann has also been named as a target but is perhaps less likely to come in.

Talk about O’Riley’s future has been prevalent all summer. Conversely, he hasn’t let it get to him, showing model professionalism during pre-season and against Kilmarnock last weekend.

He appears to be happy and settled at Celtic. With Champions League football on the table for Celtic, you hope that is the carrot that can keep him around despite a slew of interested parties.