As the Scottish Premiership season approaches, Celtic might still lose star player Matt O’Riley, with another offer expected that includes both a transfer fee and a player.
Celtic Transfer News
Amidst the signings of Kasper Schmeichel, Viljami Sinisalo, and most recently Paulo Bernardo, Celtic continues to struggle to retain O’Riley. The Danish player, a standout in Scotland, has garnered interest from Liverpool, Atalanta, and Southampton. Whether he will make a move remains uncertain. As of now, O’Riley is expected to join Bernardo, Schmeichel, and Sinisalo as options for Brendan Rodgers ahead of their opening game against Kilmarnock this Sunday.
Speaking to Celtic’s official website after rejoining on a permanent deal, the latest signing, Paulo Bernardo, said: “It’s amazing for me and it’s a big step in my career. I really enjoyed last season when we won the championship and the cup, so it was great for me – my first two titles in my career, too.
“I love the atmosphere at Celtic Park and away in all the games. Celtic is a big, big club. The fans feed us in the game so we can score one more goal or win the game in the last minute. They show that they love the club and I think they really like me too, so I love them.”
This Sunday’s opening fixture against Kilmarnock could be Bernardo’s last chance to play alongside Matt O’Riley amid ongoing rumors of O’Riley’s potential exit. According to Football Insider, Southampton is set to submit a player-plus-cash offer to sign O’Riley, which could see young midfielder Shea Charles move to Glasgow this summer.
### “Aggressive” Charles Offers Crucial Versatility
While Charles is not a direct replacement for the more attack-minded O’Riley, he provides essential versatility in defense, being naturally a defensive midfielder who can also play as a center-back and right-back. If Southampton’s fee is also suitable, then this could be a deal that benefits all parties in the coming weeks.
However, Saints boss Russell Martin might not be too eager to part ways with Shea Charles, despite the club’s reportedly pending offer. Last season, he told the Daily Record: “I know Flynn [Downes] has played in front of him, but when he has come on from the bench, he has had a really good impact on the games. We have really good competition in the midfield. Shea wants to win. He is aggressive and he breaks up play. He will be a really important player for us.”
With only a few weeks remaining until the transfer window closes, the O’Riley saga is far from over. The Danish player will be in the spotlight as the Scottish Premiership begins this weekend, and Celtic will have to continue worrying about losing their star man.
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