Celtic have once again turned down Atalanta’s bid for midfielder Matt O’Riley, despite the Serie A club offering an improved deal of £14.3 million plus additional performance-related payments. [Sky Sports]
The negotiations are still ongoing, but the clubs have not yet agreed on a valuation that satisfies both parties.
O’Riley, who is under contract with Celtic until 2027, has garnered significant attention from several top European teams, including Juventus, Roma, and Atletico Madrid. His impressive performance last season, where he scored 19 goals and provided 18 assists in 49 appearances, has only heightened this interest.
The 23-year-old Denmark international wore the captain’s armband in Celtic’s 4-0 victory over DC United in a recent pre-season match in Washington, where he scored twice.
Brendan Rodgers has praised Matt O’Riley for how he’s dealing with the ongoing transfer speculation, saying his attitude has been first-class. Speaking from America, the gaffer said: “His attitude is first class.
“There’s absolutely no change in Matt’s demeanour or happiness.
“He respects and knows the privilege it is to play for Celtic. He knows what Celtic has given him and the development that’s come from being here. So it’s not a burden for him to be at Celtic.
“He’s got a first-class attitude and that’s why we’ve been really comfortable with the situation he’s in. He can captain the team the other night and he’s a fantastic professional.”
With the interest mounting up and clubs making approaches, a Celtic exit is starting to feel inevitable for O’Riley.
If I was the team doing the buying and selling at Celtic: Fourte— bwahaha. F-f-fou—bwahaha— teen–bwahahaha. point three mil. Double it and add 10% or… stop. Wasting. My. Time.
HH