Scottish champions Celtic are hoping to land a fee of close to £25 million for Leeds United transfer target Matt O’Riley, according to TEAMtalk.
The midfielder has enjoyed an excellent season in Glasgow, playing a key role in the centre of the park for Brendan Rodgers’ team. His form is said to have caught the eye of a number of clubs across the continent, including Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.
The La Liga outfit made an approach during the January transfer window, which was thought to be an initial loan with an obligation to buy. However, the bid was rejected as Celtic found themselves embroiled in a fierce battle with bitter rivals Rangers for the Scottish Premiership title.
O’Riley headed north of the border in 2022 for a fee of £1.5 million from MK Dons. He has been an ever-present since his arrival, contributing 27 goals and 34 assists in 120 appearances. This season has seen him produce his career-best goalscoring campaign, helping him win all three major accolades at the Bhoys’ end-of-season award ceremony.
Summer interest seems inevitable, and a raft of clubs are expected to make their interest concrete in the coming weeks. Aside from Leeds, Brighton & Hove Albion, Everton and West Ham United are amongst his admirers. It is claimed that the Hammers are the ones willing to make the first move and are already preparing their opening offer.
The playmaker’s contract runs until 2027 and Celtic have no interest in selling, although they are aware that their hand may be forced if they receive a bid they are unable to refuse. The report claims that nothing will be considered under £15 million, although they are hoping to get close to the record Scottish transfer fee, which stands at £25 million.
Leeds’ interest wholly depends on whether they can earn promotion to the Premier League. They are set to take on Southampton this weekend in the Championship play-off final at Wembley.
Writer’s View
Leeds have to be considered outsiders in their pursuit of O’Riley, and they could be out of the running completely come Sunday afternoon. The Denmark international looks destined to play amongst the elite and it is likely that Atletico Madrid could reignite their interest.
West Ham are looking to get a deal done quickly, although nothing is expected to happen until the end of the upcoming European Championships. The 23-year-old could increase his value even further with a good showing in Germany and it does appear as if his time at Celtic is coming to an end.
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