During the summer transfer window, Celtic will once more have to worry about whether or not they can hold onto their best players.
Over the years, the Scottish powerhouses have profited from a number of its star players, including Kieran Tierney, Odsonne Edouard, Virgil van Dijk, Victor Wanyama, and Moussa Dembele.
Brendan Rodgers lost central defender Carl Starfelt to Spanish team Celta Vigo and explosive forward Jota to Saudi Pro League team Al-Ittihad last season.
Due to concerns about the future of his star midfield player, the Northern Irish head coach now faces the possibility of watching another Hoops prodigy leave Parkhead.
Celtic has a new price tag for its midfield wizard.
Spanish publication AS claims that despite interest from Atletico Madrid, Celtic values Danish whiz Matt O’Riley at an eye-catching €40 million (£33.7 million).
According to the source, Diego Simeone is trying to expand his alternatives in midfield, and the former star of MK Dons has shown interest in playing for the big clubs in La Liga.
It says that Atletico would be willing to pay half of what the Scottish team is asking for, €20 million (£16.9 million), in order to sign the left-footed superstar.
The Bhoys reportedly sought €29 million (£24.5 million) for the fascinating jewel during the previous transfer window, according to a report from Danish magazine Tipsbladet, which AS also cites.
This indicates that O’Riley’s value at Celtic has increased by £9.2 million in recent months, which may make it more difficult for Atletico to close a deal, especially if they are only ready to offer £16.9 million.
Therefore, it’s unclear if any teams will be willing to pay £33.7 million to sign the playmaker who was born in England this summer.
Matt O’Riley could be the key for Celtic to success.
The Scottish powerhouses would have struck gold with the former League One player if the 23-year-old virtuoso sold for a price in that range.
The attacking midfielder from MK Dons, dubbed “immense” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, was snapped up by Celtic in January 2022 for an alleged charge of £1.5 million, an amount much less than what he may get this summer.
It’s clear how much of a blinder the club played by bringing the Denmark international to Parkhead in the first place when they sell him for £33.7m, a stunning 2,146% profit on the first £1.5m investment. The international wasn’t picked for his country’s Euros team.