According to reports, Brighton is “leading the chase” for Matt O’Riley, a midfield player for Celtic, as Premier League interest grows in the summer.
O’Riley has had a tremendous season for Celtic, but he is still being linked to leaving Parkhead. After opening up an eight-point lead over Rangers, the 23-year-old’s season-best total of 18 goals and 13 assists was a key factor in Brendan Rodgers’ team winning the Scottish Premiership.
Due to the midfielder’s success, interest in him has unavoidably increased. Atletico Madrid is still eager to sign him after having their January £20 million bid rejected. However, according to the Scottish Sun, three Premier League teams now seem most likely to move forward with a contract.
Scouts from Brighton, Everton and West Ham United were at Parkhead earlier this month to witness O’Riley open the score in a commanding 2-1 victory over title rivals Rangers. Along with their evaluation of the Danish international, the former team is believed to have gone the furthest on the trip, having dispatched their best scout.
Although there are rumours that Brighton would act rapidly to outbid the competition, a sale would not be inexpensive. Only a few months back, Celtic turned down a £20 million bid, but now they’re hopeful of breaking the Scottish record and surpassing the £25 million that Arsenal paid for Kieran Tierney in 2019.
It has been reported by journalist Alan Nixon that Parkhead officials have placed a £50 million price tag on O’Riley, and they may even try to increase that amount. Come summer, the attacking midfielder’s contract will still be in effect for another three years, and he has made no indication that he wants to leave.
O’Riley was questioned about his future after Celtic won the Scottish Premiership 3-2 over St. Mirren on Saturday, a game in which he scored once more. “Leaving Celtic would be extremely difficult,” he stated. “I’ve expressed previously how important the club is to me. We still have one game left, and after that, I’ll decide how to proceed. The supporters are incredibly fervent and insane.
