Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley is on the brink of joining English Premier League side Brighton, with an official announcement expected this weekend.
The Bhoys have reportedly agreed to a transfer fee with Brighton, which includes an initial £25 million and an additional £5 million in potential add-ons, bringing the total value of the deal to a record £30 million.
Transfer Agreement Confirmed
Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano, alongside Sky Sports, has confirmed that the transfer has been agreed in principle. The Danish international’s move marks a significant sale for Celtic, one that underscores the club’s status as a stepping stone for emerging talent-seeking opportunities in more competitive leagues.
Chris Sutton Questions Celtic’s Depth
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has expressed his concerns over the move, particularly regarding the impact on the squad’s strength. Taking to social media platform X, Sutton commented, “Good luck to Matt O’Riley if he goes. He’s conducted himself brilliantly. Celtic will be weaker without him. I get Celtic are a development club and it will be ‘can’t stand in the player’s way’. I get that, but the club shouldn’t be weaker player-wise than last season, and they are!”
Good luck to Matt O’Riley if he goes. He’s conducted himself brilliantly. Celtic will be weaker without him. I get Celtic are a development club and it will be “can’t stand in the players way”. I get that but the club shouldn’t be weaker player wise than last season and they are!
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) August 23, 2024
Sutton’s remarks echo the sentiments of many Celtic fans, who fear that the current transfer window has focused more on maintaining last season’s squad rather than upgrading it. O’Riley’s departure, in particular, leaves a noticeable gap in the team.
Pressure on Celtic to Strengthen Before Window Closes
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has acknowledged the need for further reinforcements, reiterating during his Friday press conference that he expects more signings in the coming days. The club’s recruitment team faces mounting pressure to secure quality additions that will not only replace O’Riley but also enhance the squad overall.
With time still left in the transfer window, there is hope that a few strategic signings, including a solid replacement for O’Riley and perhaps a couple of defenders, could significantly boost the team’s prospects. The next week will be crucial as Celtic looks to conclude their transfer business on a positive note.
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We knew before this window even opened, that the chances of ourselves keeping hold of O’riley, were slim to none?
Gave us renewed hope with the longer the whole saga dragged on, that no-one might actually be prepared to pay our asking fee?
Yet Rodgers claiming that 2 midfield players would be required if O’riley left?
Simple question is to why not even 1 was even in the reckoning, especially if 1 was required if O’riley even stayed?
Now we find ourselves scrambling around hoping to sign 2 midfield players as replacements for O’riley?
Still none the wiser as to how a LB position is going to be filled still?
Still haven’t got our 8 homegrown quota in position still, and exactly how many do we need to fulfill that quota?
Simple questions that were in place before the window opened, and here we are with only 6 days to go before it shuts, and still no closer to getting resolved?
Is Rodgers actually capable of making some decisions, or even identifying solutions to problems that still exist within our squad?