Report: Club are trying to find replacement for their £25m playmaker who's linked to Tottenham
08/01/2024 01:15 PM
Celtic have just made a plan to replace prized asset Matt O’Riley amid links to Tottenham Hotspur this summer transfer window.
Spurs are still in the market for further reinforcements and they’ve been credited with an interest in Matt O’Riley for much of the window.
The Celtic midfielder enjoyed a remarkable season last term, netting 19 times whilst laying on 18 assists – putting a number of clubs in the Premier League and around Europe on red alert.
Now, it has just come to light, that Celtic have made a replacement plan if he departs.
Matt O’Riley replacement plan
Sky Sports journalists Dharmesh Sheth and Anthony Joseph have shared the latest update on Matt O’Riley, noting that Celtic have started to plan for life without the rumoured Tottenham target.
“Celtic are doing due diligence on central midfielders in the event Matt O’Riley leaves the club,” Sheth and Joseph said.
“Benfica midfielder Paulo Bernardo has completed a medical ahead of his £3.5m permanent move to the club, but it is understood Celtic will enter the market for another central midfielder if O'Riley is sold.”
They added that the 23-year-old has been subjected to bids from Serie A side Atalanta: “Celtic have rejected three bids from Atalanta for O'Riley this summer, with the highest fee being £15m.”
Tottenham yet to make a bid
There has been no indication of a bid from Tottenham for O’Riley so far this summer, though, it’s understood that Postecoglou is still looking to bring in at least three more players.
Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey seems to be the midfielder at the top of their shortlist, so perhaps if a deal can’t be agreed, they’ll move to sign the Celtic playmaker, who’s expected to cost in the region of £25m.
