Despite widespread speculation, former Celtic legend Chris Sutton doesn’t believe it’s a definite certainty that Matt O’Riley will be leaving the club this summer.
Rumors have been circulating since January that there will be substantial offers for the Danish midfielder after his exceptional performances in the 2023/24 season. O’Riley’s impressive stats of 19 goals and 18 assists have established him as the top player in Scotland currently.
With clubs showing interest, it wouldn’t be surprising to see O’Riley move to a bigger or wealthier league similar to previous Celtic stars like Kieran Tierney, Moussa Dembele, Odsonne Edouard, and Jota.
However, Sutton offers a different perspective, suggesting that O’Riley could potentially remain with the Bhoys for another season.
Sutton mentioned, “O’Riley was one of the few Celtic players who didn’t look out of place in the Champions League and that was why Atletico Madrid came calling in January.” He highlighted that O’Riley may not rush into a decision and will evaluate his options carefully.
Although an O’Riley departure seems likely, Celtic’s strong financial position means they don’t have to sell him cheaply. Fans would be ecstatic to see O’Riley stay, as his presence could be vital for the team’s success next season.
Ultimately, while an exit for O’Riley is a possibility, Celtic has the upper hand in negotiations, and any deal would require a significant fee to secure his departure.
