Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley has addressed the recent speculation linking him with a move to English Premiership side Leicester City.
The 21-year-old joined the Hoops from English side MK Dons in a surprise January window move that helped bolster Ange Postecoglou’s squad.
O’Riley quickly slotted into the Celtic midfield alongside Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate, becoming a key contributor in the second half of the campaign.
After a breakout six months at Parkhead, many fans have been left excited to see what is to come from the Danish under-21 internationalist, with a full pre-season under his belt.
However, standing out so quickly at Celtic is always bound to attract interest, and recent reports suggested that Leicester City were keeping a close eye on the midfielder.
Speaking in a recent interview with Danish media outlet Bold.dk, O’Riley addressed the interest in him from south of the border, admitting he was flattered to see sides potentially looking to make a move.
However, the midfielder quickly shut down any suggestion that he may be moving on this summer, insisting that he definitely expects to be at Parkhead come the start of the season and stated it is the ‘perfect place’ to continue his development.
He said [bold.dk]: “I’ve heard a bit about the interest from Leicester, but it’s not something I’m thinking about right now. The transfer window is quite crazy with rumours and interest, but I am aware that Leicester quite like me.
“Right now, though, I think Celtic is a good place to be. I have good friends around me, my relationship with the coach is good, and the fans are very special. I feel that Celtic is the perfect place for me, but of course, it’s great to have interest because it means I’m playing well.
“I also think that it is good for Celtic because it shows that we have some good players over here. It just means we have to keep playing the way we do.
“Yes, definitely (I expect to be at Celtic for the new season). It is a huge club, and now we have to play the Champions League against a lot of big clubs. It’s a huge dream for me.”
O’Riley will be catching a lot more eyes if he continues strong displays at Celtic this season
Over the past few weeks, it has been great to see Ange Postecoglou’s squad back in action. Albeit in friendly fixtures.
Supporters are always looking to keep a close eye on what might impress them during these non-competitive matches, and the midfield has undoubtedly been a standout this pre-season.
The duo of Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley have been on fire, running the game in the first 45 minutes before Postecoglou rings the changes to build up the squad’s fitness.
If O’Riley can keep up those levels of performance on the domestic front and on the biggest stages of them all in the Champions League, there is no doubting that there will be more interest in him come January or next summer.
I am excited to see how the midfielder develops this season, and the former Fulham academy man will be keen to showcase his ability, in the small off chance, a call-up to the World Cup later this year is up for grabs.
In other news, Callum McGregor’s Celtic vow after liking what he’s seen in Bhoys training.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
