Celtics player Matt O’Riley has chosen to ignore rumors of his impending departure by leaving for his team’s preseason tour of the United States.
Viljami Sinisalo, a rising talent from Aston Villa who the club has not yet revealed, has also joined him. This summer, Denmark’s O’Riley is drawing attention from all around Europe. The 23-year-old is admired by Southampton, Juventus, Inter, and Atletico Madrid, and in recent days, rumors about a possible transfer to Europa League champions Atalanta have intensified. The Serie A team is reportedly preparing to submit a second proposal of €18 million (£15.1 million) with bonuses of €3 million (£2.5 million), according to reports from Italy. Gianluca Di Marzio, an Italian transfer expert, has since added to the story by asserting that O’Riley had “already agreed” to the transfer and would sign a five-year contract with Atalanta if the two teams could agree on his transfer worth. But as he took out for America, the midfield player seemed to put the commotion on hold. When the team led by Brendan Rodgers departed Glasgow for its glamorous friendlies against DC United, Manchester City, and Chelsea, O’Riley accompanied them. Some who boarded the plane included Mikey Johnston and Gustaf Lagerbielke, even though their long-term Celtic status was uncertain.
Regarding new arrivals, Sinisalo flew out with the team prior to his formal unveiling at Celtic. The goalie is expected to complete his £1 million transfer from Villa, an EPL team. Along with the return of Japan internationals Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda, there was also a reunion of the Celtic players who competed for Scotland at Euro 2024: Callum McGregor, James Forrest, Greg Taylor, and Anthony Ralston. They had all been given extra time off due to their national exploits, thus they had missed the matches against Queen’s Park and Ayr United.