Celtic might have taken a few steps back during the summer transfer window, but it was a positive step forward for Matt O’Riley.
It has been an interesting summer for the Celtic hero, who, despite an injury-hit debut campaign at Brighton and Hove Albion, has been linked with some of Europe’s top clubs.
There was a lot of interest in Italy for O’Riley, including from the Serie A champions Napoli and a possible link-up with Kevin de Bruyne.
But instead, on transfer deadline day, O’Riley secured a season-long loan deal to Olympique de Marseille, 12 months after leaving Celtic.
Olympique de Marseille on Matt O’Riley’s time at Celtic
Signed for just £1.5 million from MK Dons, O’Riley was a roaring success in the green and white colours, as Marseille paid homage to his time in Glasgow.
After the French giants, who return to the Champions League this season, announced O’Riley’s signing, they mentioned how he ‘became a symbol’ at Celtic.
Added to that, Marseille stated that O’Riley ‘won over a demanding audience’ because the elegant playmaker showcased ‘consistency and modesty.’
‘In January 2022, Celtic Glasgow opened its doors to him. In the green and white cauldron, O’Riley became more than a player: he became a symbol,’ wrote Marseille’s official website.
‘A symbol of thoughtful, hard-working, well-constructed football. He racked up assists, important goals and national trophies (three championships, one cup and one League Cup).
‘But above all, he won over a demanding audience with his consistency and modesty.
‘Today, at 24, Matt O’Riley is perhaps one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. A player without fanfare or glitz, but with rare elegance, a silky left foot and the ability to link up the lines.’
O’Riley’s Celtic numbers
Those are kind words for O’Riley, and the performances of some recent midfielders have proven how easy he took to life at Celtic.
It’s never easy having to deliver again and again for a club of this size, because if you win once, then you have to do it again and again.
And that’s exactly what O’Riley did.
- Games: 124
- Goals: 27
- Assists: 35
- Trophies: 8
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