scouting

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.