Brendan Rodgers remains relaxed amidst the ongoing speculation about midfielder Matt O’Riley’s future at Celtic, with recent reports suggesting that Brighton will meet the club’s asking price for the player.
Despite the rumours, O’Riley continues to train with the team and is expected to participate in the match against Hibs on Sunday.
Addressing the situation, Rodgers conveyed a sense of calm assurance, indicating that nothing has fundamentally changed regarding O’Riley’s status.
“No nothing’s changed with Matt,” Rodgers told Sky Sports News.
“There are clearly bids that will come in for Matt but I repeat there is no need for us to sell, we don’t want to sell. If there’s an offer that comes in that meets the valuation of the player that’s a different matter but until that moment I’m fairly relaxed.
“He’s training well, he’s working really hard and until that changes, we just continue focussing on performing.”
The manager has praised O’Riley’s professionalism before, and it’s as the Celtic fans would expect the player to remain. He’s not out looking for a move and has kept his head down and continued to perform well.
In January he attracted interest from the likes of Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan. This summer Atalanta, Southampton and Brighton have been accredited with interest in the player.
Where the player will be playing his football next season is still anyone’s guess, but what’s for sure is that he won’t be causing a stir at Celtic if he doesn’t get a move.
Rodgers knows that any potential deal for Oreily is totally out of his hands?
If any club were to meet our 25M plus fee, then Oreily would be looking for the wages a 25M fee justifies also?
Certainly would be well beyond our current wage structure, and potentially a massive pay increase upon his improved contract, that he signed with ourselves last year?
Unfortunately the amount of money involved will eventually dictate the outcome of Oreily and his stay within our club?
But until such offers are made and confirmed, then the wait and see approach will be taken by ourselves?
However, I still believe that we do need to be prepared for a potential replacement also?
Could also at present, make a claim that there is still a potential position within our squad, whether Oreily stays or goes imo?