Celtic will finalise the signing of Matt O’Riley today as Ange Postecoglou lands his 5th signing of the transfer window, according to the Daily Record.
The late-night report claims that the Hoops have indeed won the race for the player. His representatives are expected in Glasgow today to finalise the deal and get everything over the line.
The Record also claim that Championship side West Bromwich Albion, managed by Frenchman Valerien Ismael, have failed in a late bid to sign the player. A story that will have Celtic fans having flashbacks to the Riley McGree saga from last week.
It’s also mentioned by the newspaper that Swansea, Blackburn, and Huddersfield were also interested in the player. However, it looks as though a move up to Scotland is O’Riley’s final decision.
The move sees Celtic add a 5th player to their ranks in January alone. O’Riley’s transfer would follow Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate, Yosuke Ideguchi, and Johnny Kenny’s arrivals earlier this month.
O’Riley leaves MK Dons having made 54 appearances for the club and bagging 18 direct goal contributions [Transfermarkt].
Celtic look to have won the race for Matt O’Riley
It’s brilliant to see that Celtic look to have won the race for the MK Dons star. This is clearly a talent that Ange Postecoglou rates highly, and it’ll be intriguing to see what role he has in the squad when this one is finalised.
That West Brom failed in their own last-ditch bid to sign the player is important for us too. It’s good to see that not every player is happy to be lured away by the prospect of money. O’Riley seems to know where his best chances of success are.
Postecoglou has seemingly held long chats about his role in the Celtic squad. That suggests that O’Riley is one for the here and now and not necessarily a project buy, even at 21.
Where he fits into the Celtic midfield remains a mystery. He’s likely not to be utilised in the number 10 role, with his game seemingly more suited to a more reserved position. However, the battle in that area of the pitch has become fierce.
You also have to wonder what this move means for the likes of Ismaila Soro and James McCarthy respectively. This certainly wasn’t in their plans, and it pushes them further down the pecking order.
But all eyes on when this deal gets done today. If Ange wants it complete ASAP, then so do the Celtic support.
In other news, SPFL coach lauds “truly wonderful” Celtic midfielder David Turnbull
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