Celtic hero could now play alongside Kevin de Bruyne after £25.6 million transfer bid

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Kevin de Bruyne is regarded as one of the greatest playmakers of his generation.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has faced de Bruyne on several occasions during his career, but never during his days at Scotland’s most successful club.

Last summer, Celtic beat Manchester City in a pre-season friendly, but the man from Belgium wasn’t present for that match as the Hoops netted four against Pep Guardiola’s side.

Rodgers would have been grateful because, when he was first tasked to tactically set up against de Bruyne as Leicester City boss, he was left in awe, including calling the midfielder ‘world-class’ and how he ‘loves great talent’, as posted by Manchester City Evening News in 2019.

But whilst the Celtic manager got to admire him from the sidelines, another Bhoys hero could now be playing alongside him, as the 2025 summer transfer window starts to heat up.

• READ MORE: ‘Huge club’ – The legendary Celtic transfer that once left new Rangers boss Russell Martin gutted

Matt O’Riley and Kevin de Bruyne at Napoli

Matt O’Riley left Celtic last summer in a club-record transfer to Brighton and Hove Albion, but he could be packing his bags again.

That’s because Napoli want to sign O’Riley after Antonio Conte guided the Naples-based club to the Serie A title during the recently concluded season.

Napoli aren’t messing about because they have already signed de Bruyne on a free transfer after he left Manchester City.

And if O’Riley gets his wish, after Napoli’s £25.6 million bid, then the Celtic hero could be showcasing his talents alongside one of the best midfield players to have played the game.

The genius of Ange Postecoglou and Celtic

As of this moment, no deal has been agreed, and the starting transfer offer put on the table is just under £26 million, and yes, Celtic have a sell-on clause in O’Riley’s contract.

The Celtic supporters have Ange Postecoglou to thank here because, during his time in Glasgow, he signed some outstanding gems that have now transformed into unbelievable players.

The champions of Scotland only signed O’Riley for £1.5 million, yet he went on to win a Treble, including a double under Rodgers, help the club make a load of money, and now a few more millions could be sprinkled on top if he gets his move to Napoli.