Matt O’Riley set for sensational switch to Juventus but no Celtic windfall | OneFootball

Former Celtic favourite Matt O’Riley looks set to make a sensational switch to Serie A giants Juventus. The Scottish Champions sold the Dane to Brighton last summer in a deal worth £25m, setting the Scottish transfer record. However, O’Riley has struggled to hold down a regular starting spot owing to an injury on his debut. However, he has impressed in the 23 appearances that he has made, assisting on 3 occasions and scoring 2 goals – including one from the spot against Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs, in his last game in charge of the North London club.

The player even commented about the manager Fabian Hürzeler not playing him in his best position, which appeared to suggest that the talented midfielder may be looking for a move if this was not addressed. Now, it appears that a brilliant transfer could be in the offing with Juve poised to sign O’Riley.

As reported by journalist Sébastien Vidal, Juventus have agreed personal terms with O’Riley over a five-year deal as the clubs thrash out terms over a transfer fee.

The news is positive for O’Riley, who was likely a board signing rather than a manager signing. Juve will be eager to use the maverick midfielder to help propel them to silverware next season. Although, the suggestion is that the fee will be in the region of £25m, meaning that Celtic will not net a sell-on fee, given that this applies to profit from sale. This is disappointing news given that Celtic supporters know O’Riley is destined for the top. However, it will be excellent to see O’Riley back playing for an iconic European outfit.

Matt O’Riley of Celtic poses for a photo with the PlayStation Player Of The Match award after the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic FC and Atletico Madrid at Celtic Park on October 25, 2023. (Photo by Jan Kruger – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Ange signed O’Riley for £1.5m in the January of 2022 with the MK Dons youngster helping Celtic overtake Rangers in a memorable midweek Glasgow Derby win and then hold onto the top spot for the next two seasons, leaving Celtic with three league titles, two Scottish Cups and one League Cup.

The Danish Internationalist completed a £25m+ move in the summer after an incredible individual season, which concluded with Brendan Rodgers’ side winning a League and Cup Double. O’Riley left Celtic having made 124 appearances, scoring 27 times and assisting on 35 occasions.