Leeds United must have edge in Celtic transfer race for player compared to Jack Grealish: View | OneFootball

Matt O'Riley seems destined to depart Celtic in the summer after his strongest season yet as a footballer - and clubs that include Leeds United will be circling hoping to tempt him with a move away from Scotland in the transfer window.

O'Riley began his career in the lower leagues of English football, namely with Fulham and MK Dons, before former Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou took a chance on O'Riley in January 2022.

It's been a meteoric rise for him since, and that has seen teams from across the continent hold an interest in O'Riley after his scintillating performances for the club.

Leeds are one of those teams - and with many others interested, they'll need to stand out from the crowd in a bid to sign him - and that could happen with FFP issues dominating their competition.

Why Leeds could have the edge over other club in the race for Celtic's Matt O'Riley

Leicester City have also been linked with O'Riley in past seasons, whilst Brighton, Newcastle and more from the Premier League have been touted with an interest.

This puts Leeds towards the bottom of the list of suitors for his signature - but their trump card could be Leicester's downfall.

FFP issues at the King Power Stadium means that Leicester will almost certainly start next season with a points deduction, regardless of whether they secure promotion to the top-flight or not.

As a result, they also aren't entirely cash-rich. Celtic can afford to ask for a huge price for O'Riley, and with Leeds' promotion, it's one that they could probably afford as one of their major outlays.

But Leicester would likely bow out of that race - leaving the Whites rivalling their Premier League competition.

One key asset they have in the bank is playing time. Newcastle and Brighton's interest is a compliment to the midfielder, but O'Riley would likely struggle for minutes - whereas Leeds could offer him straight football - that itself could be enough to put them in the driving seat.

What Matt O'Riley could bring to Leeds United

The Whites have been excellent this season, especially in 2024 where they have dropped just four points in the league - but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be targeting Premier League recruitments now in the event that they do make a return to the top-flight at the first time of asking.

Leeds are strong in some areas, and that includes being ready for the Premier League - but midfield is certainly an area that they need to improve on.

Whilst Glen Kamara has been a steady option for them in the engine room, and Ilia Gruev has had a decent season filling in for their midfield starters, the fact that Archie Gray has spent most of the season at right-back and Ethan Ampadu has been a rock in defender recently, even though they are natural midfielders, means that the duo may have to be used elsewhere next season - and that could spark a huge chasm in the midfield.

O'Riley would offer creativity, an experience to the English game and above all else, goals and assists.

28 goal contributions in just 40 games in all competitions has made him one of the runaway candidates for the Scottish PFA Footballer of the Year award, and with clubs such as Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid circling for his signature, the Englishman is quite likely to depart in the summer for pastures new.

Able to play in a more holding, possession-based role thanks to his height, a central midfield berth with his stamina and poise being second to none, or in the hole with his vision and final ball incredibly strong for a lanky midfielder, the level of versatility that O'Riley shows is worth plenty in itself - and with Leeds likely to be using him a lot should they sign him, that could come in key.

What Frank McAvennie said about Matt O'Riley and Jack Grealish

It's not often that players earn plaudits comparing them to Jack Grealish - but O'Riley had just that, with Frank McAvennie linking the duo earlier this season.

The Scotsman said: “I just think he hasn’t quite got the pace to play in the Premier League, but that could all change if Farke finds the right role at Leeds.Let’s be honest, he can see a pass and he can score goals – but he can’t tackle.

“Those attributes are sought after in any league, even with his pace being a tick against him.Could he go and do it at a club like Leeds? Yes, I think he could. The fans will love him at Leeds. But he’s got to do it every week. He can’t do it for six games and then not show up for three – that’s my biggest gripe with O’Riley.

“He’s still young, and he can go all the way. David Silva or Jack Grealish never had that pace at Man City, but a good manager gets the best out of them. O’Riley won’t go to a top club, but somewhere like Leeds could be good for him.”

If O'Riley could be half the player that Grealish has been in the Premier League in recent years, then he could be an incredible investment for Leeds if they could get a deal over the line.