O’Riley Windfall Could Prove Handy


[image courtesy of SNS Group]

Central midfielder Matt O’Riley is currently the most talked-about player at Celtic. A Fulham academy graduate, O’Riley has made a significant impact in the Scottish Premiership, and there are now rumours of a lucrative transfer elsewhere. But should Celtic cash in? And if so, how valuable could an O’Riley-shaped windfall be?

At 23, O’Riley has experienced a swift ascent to prominence after an early career setback. Released by Fulham in July 2020, he found a new home at MK Dons in January 2021. Just a year later, he made the leap to Celtic, where he has become one of the league's standout players.

Last season, Celtic clinched the Scottish Premiership title under returning manager Brendan Rodgers, with O’Riley playing a crucial role in their success. The latest football odds suggest Celtic are strong contenders to retain their title in the 2024/25 season, but the potential sale of O’Riley could alter that outlook.

This summer, O’Riley, who recorded an impressive thirty-seven goal involvements in all competitions last season, has attracted interest from Premier League clubs like Liverpool and Southampton, as well as from other European teams. Given his performances and his age, it's easy to see why the Denmark international is in high demand.

The key question is whether Celtic would benefit more from keeping O’Riley, who is under contract until 2027 following a new deal last September, or from selling him while his market value is high. Reports suggest Celtic might seek around £50 million for their star player, but even a bid upwards of £20 million would represent a significant profit over the fee paid to MK Dons.

If Celtic decide to accept a substantial offer and reinvest the proceeds into the squad, the club could potentially strengthen in several areas. £20 million could secure multiple high-quality players, including a replacement for O’Riley. This strategy might elevate the overall team quality rather than relying heavily on one standout performer.

On the other hand, Celtic could opt to retain O’Riley for another season, betting that his value will increase further. With two years still left on his contract next summer, the club would remain in a strong negotiating position. This could also appeal to O’Riley if he believes staying another year could attract offers from even more prestigious clubs.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether the immediate financial gain outweighs the potential benefits of keeping a key player like O’Riley in the squad. For now, Celtic must weigh up their options carefully, balancing the lure of a substantial transfer fee with the ambition of sustained on-pitch success.

Whatever Celtic decide to do, you’d think that they will be in a strong position to defend their Scottish Premiership crown. Keep O’Riley, and he could contribute to even more goals. Sell him, and Rodgers will be able to do significant work to his playing squad. So far, the only two new faces are goalkeepers, and the Northern Irishman is keen to press on with further recruitment work.