Sunday Matt O’Riley Bid Rumour

01/07/2024 Raymond 0

Southampton are reportedly preparing a significant £20 million bid for Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley, including potential add-ons that could push the total amount beyond Celtic’s previous record sales of approximately £25 million. Southampton manager Russell Martin, who previously worked with O’Riley at MK Dons, is keen to reunite with the Danish international. Since his move to Celtic, O’Riley has thrived, becoming a key player and significantly contributing to their double-winning campaign last season.

Aware of financial fair play constraints, Southampton is unlikely to meet Celtic’s initial asking price directly. O’Riley’s impressive performances for Celtic have attracted considerable attention, including from Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, and several other European clubs, although no formal offers have met Celtic’s valuation yet. Celtic, having secured O’Riley on a new contract in October, are in a strong negotiating position and are unlikely to accept anything less than their valuation. It remains uncertain if Southampton will meet Celtic’s demands, but a bidding war could ensure Celtic secures the best possible deal for their star midfielder.

Report: Newcastle recently sent scouts to watch over Danish midfielder with 19 goals this season

26/05/2024 Raymond 0

While Newcastle United were dealing with a disappointing stint in Australia, Eddie Howe’s scouting team stayed closer to home, evaluating a player just north of the border. According to The Chronicle, Newcastle’s recruitment team was sent to observe Danish international Matt O’Riley of Celtic. O’Riley, despite his non-Danish name, has impressed significantly this season. In Celtic’s 3-2 victory over St Mirren, O’Riley’s standout performance was indicative of his season, where he accumulated 19 goals and 18 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions.

These impressive statistics are even more remarkable considering O’Riley is a midfielder, not a forward. His performances have attracted attention from several Premier League clubs, with Leicester City and Leeds United among his most notable admirers. Leeds is particularly keen, hoping to join Leicester in the Premier League after their play-off final against Southampton. If Newcastle decides to pursue O’Riley, they would likely outbid both Leicester and Leeds in terms of financial and career prospects.