Celtic knocked back significant interest in midfielder Matt O’Riley in the winter transfer window as Brendan Rodgers showed determination to keep his star man.
La Liga giants Atletico Madrid tested the Hoops’ resolve in an initial loan offer that contained an obligatory clause to purchase the 23-year-old in the summer.
Rodgers came out soon after, quelling any notion that the Denmark international would be heading to the sunnier climbs of Spanish football.
The Irishman stated [Sky Sports]: “There was that, but Matt is a player we don’t want to lose and he won’t be going anywhere in January. It’s a great testament to him and what the club can do for a player.”
Most Celtic fans would testify that O’Riley has been the most influential player at the Scottish Premiership holders this term, evidenced by his ten goals and 12 assists in 31 appearances [Transfermarkt].
Suitors such as Girona and Inter Milan were also keen to pounce for the former MK Dons man, though they will need to wait until the summer before trying to convince the midfielder that his future lies elsewhere.
Expected to be a key component of his side’s title push, any talk of his immediate status has since been put on ice as the London-born man focuses on life in Glasgow.
Anthony Joseph talks about Matt O’Riley’s Celtic future
Speculation will continue to rumble surrounding O’Riley and it would be a surprise if he doesn’t leave the club this summer amid interest from high-profile suitors.
In conversation with the Celtic Exchange, Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph has spoken about the potential ‘starting point’ fee the Hoops could look to command for the Danish playmaker.
Joseph said: “I thought Celtic would be tested for Matt O’Riley. That happened. Very much tested. This, for me, showed strong resilience from the club.
“They were always in a strong position to keep him in this window. Having just signed a bumper four-year contract and then Atletico Madrid came in with that loan bid with an obligation to buy for around £20 million. Double what Leeds United were offering in the summer.
“Celtic value him a lot higher than that, and they’d be seeking a record fee, I’m told, so you’re talking as a ballpark at least a starting point of £25 million to £30 million.”
Celtic should look to squeeze every penny they can for O’Riley
O’Riley has been a terrific creative presence this campaign, laying on six big chances in the Scottish Premiership [Sofascore].
The outlet also illustrates the 23-year-old’s eye for goal, as he has averaged around three shots at the target per league match in 2023/24.
It would be hard to imagine where Celtic may be without his ability to drive Rodgers’ men forward, and that should be reflected in his eventual transfer fee, which could eclipse the Hoops’ record of £25 million received from Al-Ittihad for Jota.
Joseph seems to think across similar lines, though this is a bridge that won’t be crossed until the conclusion of the current season.
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