Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley has earned the adulation of Johan Mjallby for the important role he has played under Brendan Rodgers this term.
The Denmark international has been in exceptional form for the Bhoys, registering 19 goals and 18 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions this season [Transfermarkt].
Speculation over his future at Parkhead has run wild in recent weeks, with reports suggesting Brighton & Hove Albion, West Ham United and Everton have all expressed an interest in the 23-year-old.
With prolonged links with Atletico Madrid also still circulating, O’Riley opened up on what the summer could have in store for him last weekend during the club’s Scottish Premiership title celebrations.
He stated: “It would be very difficult (to walk away from Celtic). I have said before, the club means a lot to me now.
“I think right from day one, I fell in love with the club because the fans are so crazy and passionate, you know, it’s a proper family. Yeah, one more game to focus on, and I will take it from there.”
Johan Mjallby on why Matt O’Riley has been ‘immense’ for Celtic
Former Celtic defender Johan Mjallby has been helping to promote his old side’s Scottish Cup final against Rangers this weekend and reserved some special praise for O’Riley’s impact at Parkhead.
Cited via The Independent, the 53-year-old believes O’Riley has enjoyed an ‘immense’ campaign, and in the event of any summer exit, he would net a ‘very good chunk’ of money for the Bhoys to reinvest.
He explained: “He’s been immense for the last two seasons; he’s got a great left foot and a lot of energy, and he pops up with a lot of goals. It’s not a surprise that there’s interest in him from elsewhere.
“As a Celtic supporter, I’d rather see him stay because he’s been so good, but I think it’s natural that if you do well for Celtic or Rangers, there is always going to be interest from elsewhere – not only from down south but also from European clubs.
“I’d prefer if they stay at Celtic so they can improve even more but if they decide to sell him, I’d expect a very good chunk of money to Celtic.”
Celtic supporters would love to have O’Riley around for the forthcoming season; however, there is a transfer reality that has become the norm in Glasgow’s east end, which is selling on recruits after two or three years for significant profit.
Hopefully, Rodgers can convince the sought-after playmaker to stick around once the window opens; nevertheless, in any case, he will be richly compensated for his services if that doesn’t transpire.
The Scottish Cup final will be the only priority for both parties right now before conversations occur in the summer.
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