Celtic are now well into the transfer window and will be keen to keep hold of their star players between now and the end of the month.
Nicolas Kuhn has been the only confirmed arrival at Parkhead in what has been a quiet few weeks in Glasgow’s east end; however, there is still time for movement to happen in both directions.
Brendan Rodgers will also be desperate to retain his key men in the hunt for the Scottish Premiership title. Nevertheless, the Irishman isn’t naive and will know the unpredictable reality of the market from his experiences as a manager.
Liel Abada and Cameron Carter-Vickers have been mentioned in connection with clubs south of the border, with the latter being eyed by Premier League trio West Ham United, Brentford and Nottingham Forest.
Despite the riches potentially on offer by cashing in on sellable assets, Celtic would stand to gain a sizeable financial bounty if they secure the league title, which, in turn, would guarantee automatic qualification for the new edition of the Champions League next term.
Sky Sports report major transfer bid news on Celtic’s Matt O’Riley
According to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, Celtic have received a bid from Atletico Madrid for Danish playmaker Matt O’Riley, which is understood to be an initial loan with an obligation for the La Liga giants to buy him outright in the summer.
The Hoops are believed to be in a ‘strong position’ and also tied the 23-year-old to a new four-year deal last September, which will keep him under contract at Parkhead until 2027.
Celtic manager Rodgers also had this to say on the player in his pre-match press conference before his side faced Buckie Thistle in the Scottish Cup: “The club is in a really strong position with no need to sell (O’Riley) and we’ve no thoughts on selling.”
Celtic cannot afford to lose Matt O’Riley this month
It goes without saying that Celtic cannot afford to lose O’Riley this month, especially when factoring in his importance to the side under Rodgers.
The former MK Dons man has played 29 times across all competitions in 2023/24, registering ten goals and 12 assists [Transfermarkt].
According to Fotmob statistics, the Denmark international is the Bhoys’ most consistent performer in the Scottish Premiership, with an average match rating of 8.15/10.
He is also the club’s top league scorer and ranks second-best behind Luis Palma concerning assists. Put simply, O’Riley cannot be allowed to leave Parkhead this month under any circumstances.
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