Matt O’Riley’s Celtic exploits earn transfer attention as Euro giants observe his progress

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Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley has enjoyed a prominent campaign under Brendan Rodgers as he continues to progress at Parkhead.

The Danish playmaker has been a critical player for the Bhoys this term, registering 14 goals and 16 assists in 44 appearances across all competitions [Transfermarkt].

O’Riley’s exploits in the first half of the season resulted in a bid from Atletico Madrid for his services, mooted to be an initial loan proposal with an obligation to buy him outright in the summer transfer window.

Nevertheless, Celtic rejected the bid, and Rodgers confirmed that he would stay in Glasgow for the remainder of the season despite speculation surrounding his future.

At the time, he stated via 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.”

Since then, the 23-year-old has continued to deliver in green and white, though he did acknowledge the difficult reality of his unique circumstances being in the public domain, even revealing that he banned family members and those around the club from mentioning his situation to retain maximum focus.

Inter Milan keeping tabs on Matt O’Riley

Per Italian outlet Corriere Dello Sport, Inter Milan are keeping O’Riley under ‘observation’ as Simone Inzaghi’s newly-crowned Serie A champions look to build on their title win this summer.

The publication claim the Nerazzurri were also keen on the Danish midfielder in January; meanwhile, the Scottish Premiership is viewed as an attractive market for Italian sides in light of deals that have led to success, such as Lewis Ferguson’s time at Bologna.

Any departure for O’Riley down the line would likely net Celtic a significant transfer fee. Reports earlier this year claim the Hoops asked for £25 million in light of Atletico Madrid’s advances during the mid-season window.

With EURO 2024 on the horizon, the former MK Dons man could gain a wider audience and showcase his talent at the championships in Germany if he is selected to join up with De Rød-Hvide.

For now, finishing the 2023/24 campaign on a high will be O’Riley’s main quest before we find out more about his next career steps in the summer.