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Matt O’Riley Set for Huge Celtic Exit; Liverpool Interested

Celtic’s Track Record of Lucrative Sales

Celtic, renowned for their strategic player sales, are on the brink of another record-breaking transaction. Historically, the club has seen substantial returns from player transfers, with notable deals including Kieran Tierney’s move to Arsenal for £25m and Jota’s switch to Al-Ittihad for the same figure. These transfers not only highlighted Celtic’s knack for nurturing talent but also set financial benchmarks within Scottish football.

According to reliable sources from TEAMtalk, the current discussion revolves around Matt O’Riley, a midfielder whose performances have piqued the interest of clubs across Europe, including Liverpool and Atalanta. Last season, O’Riley’s impressive tally of 19 goals and 18 assists has evidently escalated his market value.

Photo: IMAGO

Bidding War for O’Riley

Fraser Gillan, TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, has confirmed that while Liverpool remains a potential suitor, Atalanta is aggressively pursuing O’Riley. Initial bids around £16m from the Italian club were turned down by Celtic, who value O’Riley at approximately £26m, factoring in potential add-ons and bonuses. Despite the gap in valuation, negotiations are ongoing, with Celtic aiming to leverage this interest into a lucrative deal.

O’Riley’s Commitment Amid Speculation

Despite the swirling transfer rumours, O’Riley has shown exemplary professionalism. He captained Celtic in recent friendlies, a role he undertook with pride amidst the uncertainty. Brendan Rodgers, Celtic’s manager, commended O’Riley’s deep respect and commitment to the club, stating, “O’Riley understands what a privilege an honour it is to play for the club.” This attitude is crucial as it maintains a positive atmosphere around the team during the transfer window.

Strategic Reinforcements Post O’Riley

In anticipation of O’Riley’s possible departure, Celtic has proactively secured Paulo Bernardo from Benfica for £3.5m. Bernardo, familiar with the team dynamics from his previous loan spell, is expected to fill the void potentially left by O’Riley. Additionally, Rodgers is keen on strengthening the squad further, particularly by adding another striker, to ensure Celtic remains competitive on all fronts.

Statistical Analysis by EPL Index: Matt O’Riley’s Stellar Season in Focus

Unpacking O’Riley’s Attacking Prowess

Matt O’Riley’s recent performance data, as depicted in the graphic provided by Fbref, highlights his exceptional contributions in the attacking third. Among midfielders, his stats for assists and expected assists (xAG) are in the 99th percentile, illustrating his critical role in creating goal-scoring opportunities. This exceptional ability not only underscores his vision and precision but also his integral role in Celtic’s offensive setup.

Strength in Possession

O’Riley’s stats further demonstrate his proficiency in possession, with his shot-creating actions standing at a 91st percentile ranking. This, combined with his 98th percentile in non-penalty expected goals plus expected assists (npxG + xAG), paints the picture of a midfielder who is not just participating in plays but is often the orchestrator of key movements. His ability to maintain possession and make insightful passes—reflected in his 61st percentile for pass completion—makes him a reliable pivot in midfield.

Defensive Contributions Highlighted

While primarily celebrated for his offensive skills, O’Riley’s chart also reveals substantial defensive contributions. His percentile rankings in clearances (81st) and blocks (83rd) are commendable for a player whose mainstay is not defensive duties. This dual capability enhances his value, showing that he can be counted on not just for initiating attacks but also for thwarting opposition plays.

This graphical analysis by Fbref provides a clear, quantifiable insight into why Matt O’Riley is regarded as a crucial asset for Celtic. His balanced skill set across attacking, possession, and defensive metrics not only makes him a standout player but also a pivotal figure in shaping his team’s successes on the pitch. His performance data and stats from the last 365 days affirm his stature as a top-tier midfielder in European football.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Celtic fans, I’m sure the potential departure of Matt O’Riley stirs a mix of emotions. On one hand, securing a record transfer fee reflects well on the club’s ability to develop top-tier talent and maintain financial health. On the other, O’Riley’s potential exit is a blow to the team dynamics, especially after a season where he significantly contributed to Celtic’s successes.

Whilst many will trust the management’s decision-making, there’s always that hope that star players like O’Riley can be retained longer to build a stable, consistent team. However, in the context of modern football economics, high-value player sales are a reality for clubs like Celtic that need to balance competitive aspirations with financial sustainability.

Ultimately, if O’Riley’s transfer can fund strategic reinforcements that strengthen the squad, then it’s a testament to Celtic’s smart management. Ensuring that the reinvestment from O’Riley’s sale is wisely allocated will be crucial for the upcoming seasons. Fans now have an expectation of not just competitive performance but also seeing Celtic thrive in Europe, something that strategic investments from such sales can potentially facilitate.