Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley has finally spoken about Atletico Madrid’s bid for him in the January transfer window, asserting he was “not upset” despite the move not materialising.
The 23-year-old Celtic star, who has become an indispensable player at Parkhead, was the subject of a massive offer from the La Liga giants, intended as a loan with an obligation to buy. Celtic, however, held made it clear he would be going nowhere in January.
O’Riley’s situation has been a hot topic among Celtic supporters, with some speculating that the failed transfer could have affected his performances on the pitch. However, the player himself and notable figures like former Celtic striker Chris Sutton have dismissed such notions. Speaking to Danish magazine Tipsbladet while on international duty, O’Riley expressed his feelings about the interest from such a prestigious club: “Celtic received an offer from them (Atletico Madrid), and that was cool. I wasn’t really close to leaving because Celtic wanted more money. I’m not upset about it. For me, it was just cool that a club like them would want me. It’s not often you receive an offer from Atletico Madrid, so of course, it’s great.”
Having joined Celtic for a modest £1.5 million from MK Dons under manager Ange Postecoglou, O’Riley has exceeded expectations, netting 11 goals this season and proving to be a bargain for the Scottish champions. His contribution has not only been pivotal for Celtic but also earned him a spot in the Denmark national team, making his debut against Northern Ireland in November.
O’Riley remains open to future opportunities, including a potential move in the summer. “We have to see what happens,” he stated, leaving the door open for another transfer saga.
Celtic fans will want Matt to stay beyond the summer but the player’s aspirations coupled with the potential money on offer means the midfielder is likely to leave sooner rather than later.
His recent call-up to the Denmark squad, replacing the injured Christian Norgaard of Brentford, only underscores his rising profile in European football.
