Celtic’s Matt O’Riley has been a hot topic this January. The standout midfielder was the subject of a transfer bid from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, although it was soon rebuffed.
The Hoops simply can’t afford to lose the 23-year-old, who has been nothing short of sensational this season. Across 30 appearances in the league, league cup, Scottish Cup, and Champions League so far, O’Riley has registered an astounding 22 goal contributions.
His performances have been up there with the best in the country, and the interest from Atleti came as no surprise. Diego Simeone’s desire to take the Dane to the Spanish capital is a testament to his outstanding Parkhead displays.

They have been noticed by many, particularly those within the Danish national team circle. Indeed, the country’s assistant manager Morten Wieghorst, who played for Celtic between 1996 and 2002 winning a league and league cup, has recently praised his fellow countryman.
The 52-year-old keeps a close eye on Danes abroad, and O’Riley has understandably stood out of late. He was handed his senior Denmark debut towards the end of last year, and Wieghorst admitted there are high hopes for him within the national team set-up: “O’Riley is also doing very well at Celtic and he’s a very ambitious player”, he said (RecordSport).
“A lot of talk about him moving but (I’m) sure he will stay at Celtic. He is happy there and playing the best football of his career and we have big plans for Matt with Denmark.”