Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley’s future is a hot topic this window as clubs circle for his signature following a stellar campaign last season.
The Denmark international registered 19 goals and laid on 18 assists in 2023/24, and suitors have been following his situation with close interest.
Premier League pair Southampton and Leicester City are keen on O’Riley; however, the former is said to value him at around £20 million — £10 million below Celtic’s valuation of the London-born playmaker.
He has returned to Lennoxtown despite intense speculation over his future and scored last night as he captained the Bhoys to a 6-4 friendly victory over Queen’s Park.
From the continent, Atletico Madrid saw a bid turned down for O’Riley in January. Now, there is another Champions League stepping up their pursuit.
Atalanta submit formal Matt O’Riley proposal
According to Fabrizio Romano, Atalanta have submitted a ‘formal proposal’ to land O’Riley from Celtic, as seen below.
He stated on X: “Atalanta submit formal proposal to sign 23 year old midfielder Matt O’Riley from Celtic. Negotiations ongoing with PL clubs also keen but Atalanta are pushing, first bid has been sent. Koopmeiners remains priority target for Juventus.” He also credited fellow journalist Matteo Moretto
Romano also let loose that Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners is a target for Juventus, signalling that O’Riley could be a like-for-like replacement.
The Daily Record have also said that Atalanta are to firm up their advances, so there could feasibly be some legs to this story.
Regardless of admirers, the Bhoys hold a strong stance in negotiations due to O’Riley signing a new contract last year that ties him to the club until 2027.
Previously, reports have suggested that the Dane has set the bar high on any potential exit, with Southampton alerted to the possibility that he may ask for a higher wage than they are typically willing to grant new arrivals.
O’Riley knows what he is worth, so do Celtic. If other sides want to land him, be prepared to part ways with a significant sum of money.
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