Dissecting Matt O’Riley’s Celtic transfer state of play

Dissecting Matt O’Riley’s Celtic transfer state of play

Matt O’Riley has his fair share of transfer suitors this summer… (Image: NQ)

As you would likely expect at this time of year, Celtic’s prized asset last season has been heavily linked with a move away from the club.

Indeed, Matt O’Riley’s breakout season last campaign was one for the books, scoring 19 goals and contributing another 18 assists, a total of 37 goal contributions in all competitions. Though the majority of these happened domestically, O’Riley was Celtic’s standout performer in Europe, too, with three assists to his name against Lazio, Atletico Madrid and Feyenoord last year.

With good European performances comes potential suitors from around the globe, which proved to be the case when Champions League opponents Atletico came calling for the Denmark international’s services this January. Though this approach was rejected, this summer seems like a more likely time for the 23-year-old to depart the club.

In light of this, The Celtic Way discusses the options that the midfielder has, as the transfer vultures continue to swirl surrounding a potential move away from the club.

The Atalanta (and Juventus) links

The most consistently talked about destination this summer for O’Riley has been Italy, with the reigning Conference League winners Atalanta having lodged at least three bids thus far for Celtic’s number 33.

As it stands, the Bergamo club have not managed to submit a bid anywhere near Celtic’s asking price, with the latest offer standing at around £15 million plus add-ons. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side are currently in the process of negotiating with Juventus over the sale of their star midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, which would free up both space and funds for O’Riley respectively. €45 million has been reported as the first bid submitted by the Turin side for the Dutch playmaker, with Atalanta reportedly holding out for a fee closer to €60 million for their asset.

Interestingly, Thiago Motta’s Juventus have also been reported to be interested in Celtic’s midfielder, though not as much as their Serie A rivals. If O’Riley was to be keen on moving to Italy, then stylistically Atalanta would be an attractive fit, particularly under Gasperini. His keenness to press the opposition would subscribe to the style of play that the now-legendary manager elects to play at the club.

Out of all the links thus far, this seems to be the one that is most likely to transpire at the moment, though this is an everchanging development day by day.

A Russell Martin reunion at Southampton

From foreign interest to a familiar face closer to home, English Premier League newcomers Southampton have registered an interest in O’Riley, who are managed by his former MK Dons manager Russell Martin.

Martin – who played for Rangers at the end of his career – worked with Celtic’s star man before moving to Swansea in 2021. Like Atalanta, Southampton have seen at least one bid being batted away by Brendan Rodgers and the club, not meeting their valuation of the player. “Not even close”, in the manager’s words to Sky Sports yesterday. It would seem like the St Mary’s side will have to up their bid like their transfer rivals Atalanta to get a seat at the Celtic bidding table.

Perhaps the most interesting facet of this development was the rumour that Northern Ireland international Shea Charles could be a part of this deal, as well as a fee for the receiving club Celtic. A position that Rodgers seems to be keen to improve on, any possibility of the former Manchester City player being involved in this transaction have been largely rubbished, though Celtic are still keen on the 20-year-old.

If you factor in the influence of a manager, then perhaps Martin knows O’Riley better than most. After all, he was a mainstay in the MK Dons team that were praised in the lower leagues of English football three or so years ago. If this reunion is to be fully realised, then Southampton will have to up their transfer offer considerably before O’Riley and Celtic even consider parting ways with each other.

Even still, you would expect O’Riley’s ambitions to lie higher than a newly promoted side, regardless of who is at the helm.

Other interested parties

Two European giants have recently expressed their interest in O’Riley in the shape of Inter Milan and the aforementioned Atletico Madrid.

However, the likelihood of either team actively pursuing the midfielder are likely consigned to history, with both sides having either completed or in the process of signing midfield reinforcements. In the case of Inter, Davide Frattesi has made the move from Sassuolo to Milan, whilst Madrid are in talks with Chelsea and England’s Conor Gallagher.

Of course, things can change quickly, though it looks as if O’Riley’s destination will not be situated in Milan or Madrid – at least, for now.

What if he stays put?

With the way that the player is discussed in some sectors, you would assume that O’Riley is a certainty to move on to pastures new in the next month or so.

While that may well turn out to be the case, staying at Celtic could be the most attractive option for the player – at least, on the pitch. Yes, Atalanta – like his current club – have at least eight games to play in the revamped Champions League, but O’Riley has all of that in Scotland plus the acclimatisation and experience of playing for Celtic.

O’Riley is only 23-years-old. What harm can another year do at a club that value your qualities and give you a platform to succeed and be the ‘main man’? If these sides are interested now, then the chances are that they’ll be just as interested in a year’s time – or more so.

Regardless of what transpires between now and the end of the window, the club hold all of the cards thanks to an ingenious contract renewal back in September last year. Signed on the same day as his goal vs Motherwell in the 97th minute at Fir Park, this bit of business secured O’Riley until the summer of 2027, essentially increasing his value as a Celtic asset through contractual length and stability.

To put it quite simply, the club’s position could not be any stronger concerning O’Riley.

‘But Norwich sources’ Celtic’s Idah deal is edging closer

closing in on a deal for Adam Idah but the story is based on unidentified ‘Norwich sources’.

The striker missed a friendly played on Tuesday night in Austria as a disciplinary issue with Norwich boss Johannes Thorup going public over after the issue after the match.

Norwich’s new boss also acknowledged that transfer speculation could be a factor with the final month of the transfer window likely to intensify activities.

CELTIC are edging closer to a deal for Norwich City striker Adam Idah.

Canaries chiefs have already turfed out a £4million Hoops bid for last season’s Parkhead loan star.

But Norwich sources believe a deal could soon be struck to bring Idah back to Celtic – potentially in time for Sunday’s Premiership opener against Kilmarnock.

The Irishman is set to be disciplined by the Championship club after failing to make a flight to Austria for a pre-season training camp.

The 23-year-old is understood to be keen on a Celtic return and further talks are expected between the clubs in the coming days.

Celtic and Norwich have probably remained in contact throughout the summer over a deal for Idah with both clubs keen to come out on top.

A permanent move to Celtic was always the likely outcome but with a contract running until 2027 the Championship side have a high degree of control.

Obtaining a fee far higher than anticipated when Idah moved out on loan in January would be a positive for the new boss, with the late arrival of the player in Austria there won’t be much backing for the striker from Norwich fans.

BREAKING: Celtic close to finalising Adam Idah transfer – and deal could be done in time for Premiership opener

Celtic preparing bid to sign £9m player compared to Roy Keane and his club are happy to sell

Celtic are now ready to make a move to sign a player who has been described as the new Roy Keane.

Brendan Rodgers has already welcomed Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo to Glasgow this summer as the Bhoys aim to defend the Scottish Premiership title next season.

Now – however – a midfielder is on the radar for Celtic with a bid in the pipeline…

Celtic ready to bid for Hannibal Mejbri

A story from Mosaique FM now claims that Celtic are keen to sign Manchester United No.46 Hannibal Mejbri.

The Tunisian news outlet believe Celtic are preparing a bid for the Tunisia international as Rodgers attempts to improve his midfield department this summer.

Mosaique FM add that the Red Devils are willing to let Mejbri depart Old Trafford this summer, as he has already entered the final 12 months of his contract – this window may represent Manchester United’s last chance to secure a fee for the talented midfielder.

Manchester United actually spent £9m to sign the 21-year-old from Monaco back in August 2019, when he was just 16 years of age.

Unfortunately, several managerial changes in the dugout, and fierce midfield competition, have seen Mejbri make just 13 appearances for Manchester United, with Celtic now ready to offer the man from Ivry-sur-Seine a fresh start.

Brendan Rodgers could sign the new Roy Keane

As aforesaid, Mejbri has been compared to Keane – who made 11 appearances for Celtic before retiring in Glasgow.

It was Nicky Butt who made the comparison, also lumping the Celtic target in with greats such as Steve Bruce, Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and Bryan Robson after describing Mejbri as a “leader” on the pitch.

The 49-year-old told the Manchester Evening News: “Leaders are always looked at like a Roy Keane, a Steve Bruce, a Bryan Robson, those kind of verbal, real aggression, real leaders, and then you’ve got leaders like Paul Scholes or David Beckham or Ryan Giggs, who are quiet but really lead by example of how they play and how they work hard.

“Hannibal is a leader. The way he plays his football is 100mph, he’s non-stop running up and down.”

Celtic will hope Adam Idah incident, Johannes Hoff Thorup admission speeds up Norwich City deal: View

Adam Idah’s future is currently uncertain.

The 23-year-old remains with Norwich City at this stage, but he did extremely well on loan at Scottish Premiership giants Celtic last season.

This has allowed the Republic of Ireland international to put himself in the shop window, with his ability to pop up at crucial times helping Brendan Rodgers’ side to win multiple trophies during the second half of the 2023/24 campaign, and there have been attempts to bring him north of the border permanently.

Joining during the January window, Idah only had a fairly short amount of time to make an impact in Glasgow, but it’s an opportunity he took with both hands with the striker scoring regularly.

Adam Idah’s 2023/24 loan spell at Celtic

(All competitions)

Appearances

19

Goals

9

Assists

2

However, a move away from Carrow Road isn’t guaranteed for the player this summer, even after such an impressive loan spell at Celtic Park.

Latest on Adam Idah’s situation at Norwich City

Speaking to journalist Paddy Davitt, Norwich boss Johannes Hoff Thorup revealed yesterday that Idah didn’t fly out to Austria with the Canaries’ first-team squad.

Following the Irishman’s decision, the Canaries are set to discipline the player, something that isn’t ideal for the club considering the club faces their first league game of the season against Oxford United in less than a fortnight.

Thorup has taken a hard line on this incident, stating that every player must follow the rules, including Idah.

He then went on to admit that the Scottish side’s interest in the player may have played a part in the striker’s decision not to travel out to Austria.

Celtic will be hopeful that Adam Idah incident will speed up Norwich City deal

A couple of things could work against the Scottish side.

Firstly, Idah’s contract at Carrow Road doesn’t expire until the summer of 2028 and with this in mind, the Canaries are in a very strong negotiating position.

Even if they need to cash in on players, something that seems unlikely considering Max Aarons and Andrew Omobamidele were both sold last summer, they have others they can sell.

Jonny Rowe, Gabriel Sara, and Josh Sargent could all attract interest between now and the end of the window, with Sara recently the subject of a bid, so it would be difficult to see Norwich finding themselves under pressure to sell him because of financial reasons.

The possibility of Idah becoming an integral part of the Canaries’ squad for next season cannot be ruled out either, with Willy Gnonto managing to force his way back into Leeds United’s first team despite being embroiled in an unhelpful transfer saga last summer.

The Irishman could be an extremely valuable first-teamer during the 2024/25 campaign and Thorup probably recognises that, so the Bhoys need to keep an eye on the situation.

This pre-season incident could also help Rodgers’ side to get a deal over the line for the player, however, having submitted a £4m bid for the striker earlier this summer.

According to Football Insider, they are set to make a new offer for Idah, potentially in the hope that the incident will pressure Norwich into accepting a bid for him.

If the situation worsens, his situation at Carrow Road could become untenable, if it hasn’t already.

This is a situation that needs to be sorted out before the start of the season, because it could potentially affect on-field performance if it doesn’t, with the headlines that this story has already created.

They face Oxford away from home for their opening game of the campaign and on paper, they will be expected to come out on top in that clash, but it won’t be an easy tie.

Des Buckingham’s side will be buzzing after their promotion and keen to put on a good performance in front of their home fans, reinforcing the need for the Idah situation to be sorted as quickly as possible.

From Celtic’s perspective, they’ll hope that this incident will help push the Canaries into a sale sooner rather than later.

Report: Celtic to Hijack Rival’s Forward Deal

Celtic’s Strategic Shift: Pursuing Lawrence Shankland Over Adam Idah

Hoops Eye Adam Idah Alternatives

Celtic’s summer transfer saga continues to intrigue as they shift their focus from Norwich City’s Adam Idah to Hearts’ sharpshooter Lawrence Shankland. The Scottish Premiership champions are considering alternatives after their initial £4 million bid for Idah was rebuffed, with the striker valued at about double that amount by Norwich. With the new Norwich coach, Johannes Hoff Thorup, emphasising a close look at Idah during pre-season, Celtic’s pursuit might face significant delays.

As reported by HITC, “Celtic are looking at alternative options to Norwich City striker Adam Idah with the Scottish Premiership champions potentially hijacking Rangers’ move for Hearts frontman Lawrence Shankland.” This move underlines the dynamic nature of the transfer market where timing and opportunity often dictate terms.

Shankland’s Stellar Record

Lawrence Shankland’s appeal as an alternative is enhanced by his remarkable scoring record. Last season, Shankland was nothing short of sensational, securing the Scottish Premiership Golden Boot and Player of the Year awards. With 31 goals in all competitions and a staggering total of 59 goals in two seasons at Hearts, his prowess in front of goal is well documented.

“HITC have been told that Celtic are now stepping up their pursuit of Lawrence Shankland as an agreement with Norwich continues to prove elusive.” His contract situation at Tynecastle, which runs out in 2025, also presents a potentially more affordable and feasible acquisition for Celtic compared to Idah.

Glasgow Giants’ Rivalry Intensifies

The storyline gets even more fascinating considering the involvement of Rangers, who are currently leading the race for Shankland’s signature. However, Celtic’s interest could turn this into a classic Old Firm transfer battle. Shankland, a Glasgow-born player, might find the allure of staying in his hometown with a top club too tempting to pass up, especially if it comes with the chance to play Champions League football.

Potential Impact at Celtic

The potential addition of Shankland could be a strategic masterstroke for Celtic. Not only would it bolster their attacking options, but it would also prevent a key talent from strengthening a direct rival.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

The prospect of signing Lawrence Shankland feels like a strategic coup in the making. Not only does Shankland boast an incredible goal-scoring tally that promises to light up Parkhead, but the thought of snatching him right from under Rangers’ noses adds an exhilarating edge to this transfer saga.

Shankland’s knack for delivering big goals in crucial moments makes him an ideal fit for a club with Celtic’s ambitions. His arrival could signal a shift in the balance of power in the Scottish Premiership, especially if he replicates his goal-scoring feats in the green and white.