Celtic received an official offer for Matt O’Riley yesterday from Brighton & Hove Albion and supporters are waiting on tenterhooks for more information on the Denmark international’s future.
Yesterday, news broke of the Seagulls’ bid for O’Riley. Both clubs are now ‘locked in talks’ over a potential sale and there have been further updates at that.
Fabrizio Romano has detailed that Billy Gilmour could leave Brighton for Napoli in the case of any deal. Meanwhile, Stephen McGowan has since reported that the Premier League outfit are ready to shatter the Scottish transfer record to land their man [Daily Mail].
It remains to be seen if Atalanta will return to the table after signing Lazar Samardzic from Udinese over the weekend. However, there is ‘confidence’ a deal could be struck, which could potentially represent the end game for O’Riley at Celtic.
With that in mind, Brendan Rodgers has already made clear what his contingency plans could be if his prize asset were to depart this summer.
Brendan Rodgers wants two midfielders at Celtic
Speaking post-match after the Bhoys’ victory over Hibernian last weekend, Rodgers confirmed he would need to sanction deals for two arrivals in midfield to have his squad in ideal shape.
He stated [BBC Sport]: “He’s a player that’s continued to grow and you see the confidence that he’s playing the game with. I still think we need another player in that position. If he was to go, we’d need two more.
“I will need to speak to the board. There’s a lot of work going on and there’s lots that we need to do, but for now it’s really about the players that are here.”
It goes without saying, but there won’t be a single Celtic fan holding any begrudging feelings towards O’Riley if he does move on to a new challenge. Arriving from MK Dons in January 2022, the 23-year-old has blossomed into a fantastic player at Celtic Park and is destined for the top level.
27 goals and 35 assists in 124 appearances tell their own story. He will be remembered fondly should a transfer go through. Football London claim Celtic could receive £30 million for his services, so there should be plenty of money to play with in the market.
Celtic have identified alternative midfielders
Nobody wants O’Riley to leave Celtic; it will be a sore one to take. Nevertheless, alternative midfield targets have been identified in case the scenario were to occur.
Augsburg talent Arne Engels is on the Bhoys’ radar and his current employers could be willing to cash in on him this summer.
Similarly, Lausanne-Sport star Alvyn Sanches is also a Celtic target. Burnley, Nice and Anderlecht are also in the hunt to sign the playmaker, who could be available at £4.3 million.
Last but not least, talk surrounding Dundee captain Luke McCowan continues to do the rounds after it was suggested that Celtic were expected to make an offer for him last week.
Strap yourselves in, it could be a lively end to the transfer window. 67 Hail Hail will keep fans updated with wall-to-wall coverage surrounding developments between now and the deadline next Friday.
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