During a standout campaign at Parkhead, Celtic playmaker Matt O’Riley has shot to the forefront under Brendan Rodgers.
The 23-year-old has progressed to new heights since the Irishman’s arrival, registering 15 goals and 17 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions [Transfermarkt].
Per Fotmob, O’Riley leads the way in the Scottish Premiership for Celtic in chances created (83), ‘big chances’ fashioned (13), goals (14) and assists (12). According to the outlet, he also ranks first regarding his average match rating (8/10), outstripping Liam Scales and Callum McGregor in that department.
Of course, his exploits haven’t gone unnoticed in green and white. La Liga giants Atletico Madrid failed with a bid to snap up the Denmark international on an initial loan with an obligation to acquire his services this summer during the January transfer window.
Later, it emerged that Celtic demanded a fee in the region of £25 million for their prize asset before it became apparent that he would stay for the remainder of the campaign.
Serie A champions Inter Milan are also keeping O’Riley under observation as Simone Inzaghi aims to build on their title-winning exploits.
Matt O’Riley transfer update emerges amid potential caveat
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Atletico Madrid could turn their attention to Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg if Celtic star O’Riley proves to be a financially unattainable option for Diego Simeone.
The report states that Feyenoord enforcer Mats Wieffer and Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana are also on the Argentinian’s radar; meanwhile, Hojbjerg could be available for around €15 million (£12.8 million), which may prove more viable for the La Liga giants in light of the money Rodgers will demand for O’Riley.
Last week, the London-born man refused to be drawn on speculation surrounding his future to stay focused at Celtic, even banning family members and agents from mentioning exit talk.
He stated: “I have said that to my parents, of course agents and even people within the club. People naturally want to talk about stuff like that but I think it is a big distraction when I have got a job to do here.”
Celtic have five matches remaining this season that could still yield two league trophies, and O’Riley appears to be living in the moment by doing everything he can to achieve more silverware at Parkhead.
Discussions over his next career move have already started to emanate; regardless, that is a conversation for the future, not the present.
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