Southampton will use some of their Premier League money to fund a move for £30 million-rated Danish international Matt O’Riley, according to a report from Give Me Sport.
The Saints triumphed in this weekend’s play-off final, meaning a huge cash boost, and O’Riley is seemingly a player in their sights. The 23-year-old is currently plying his trade north of the border with Celtic and has had the price tag slapped on him by the Scottish champions, but it’s unlikely to deter Russell Martin’s side. Premier League promotion is worth around £140 million, and they initiated a fire sale upon relegation, meaning they’re not saddled with expensive players as they make their way back into the top flight.
O’Riley had a hugely impressive season in Scotland, with 19 goals and 18 assists as the Hoops secured another title. That’s seemingly caught the eye of Martin, who worked with O’Riley briefly during his stay with MK Dons.
It was Martin who tempted the player to Milton Keynes after his departure from Fulham, a stage upon which he went from free agent to £1.5 million player in just 12 months. At the time of signing, Martin said of the then-20-year-old, “Matt has been training with us for a long time now, but we all recognised, very quickly, what a gifted footballer he is and why he’s been wanted by some big clubs over the last few years.”
Since his move to Celtic, the midfielder has also pledged his allegiance to Denmark, through whom he is eligible, courtesy of his mother’s family. He has appeared twice for them and is being widely tipped to feature in their upcoming Euro 2024 squad. He was included in the squad for their March friendlies against Switzerland and the Faroe Islands, playing for 30 minutes against the latter.
The Saints were thought to be weighing up a move for Sunderland midfielder Dan Neill, but it seems Martin is now leaning towards his former protege, if he can be prised away from Celtic.
Writer’s View
This could be a huge transfer for Southampton. O’Riley has real star quality and was outstanding in the short period he worked with Martin at MK Dons. That star hasn’t faded during his time in Scotland, where he has bagged six trophies and played European football.
The transfer fee shouldn’t be an issue; O’Riley is still only 23 and likely to be a big hit on the south coast offering resale value. The question is, will he swap the trophies and huge stage of Parkhead for a stab at English football, albeit with a side probably expected to contest their season in the bottom half of the table? His relationship with Martin could be key. If he gelled with the manager before, then there’s every chance he will rekindle that relationship.
The other issue is the Euros If a move isn’t completed before then, and he shines in England’s group for the Danes, there could be bigger suitors coming his way. Southampton need to act quickly.