When Celtic missed out on signing Riley McGree in January 2022, they quickly shifted focus to MK Dons midfielder Matt O’Riley. In hindsight, this decision proved highly successful for the Scottish champions.
Although it’s impossible to know how McGree might have fared at Celtic, it would have been difficult for him to match O’Riley’s contributions. Since joining, O’Riley has played a key role in helping the club win three league titles, two Scottish Cups, and a League Cup, making his acquisition a standout success for the team.
It wasn’t just the trophies that made Matt O’Riley’s time at Celtic special. The midfielder consistently dazzled the crowd at Celtic Park, especially under Brendan Rodgers, with his stunning goals and technical ability. His performances cemented him as a fan favorite.
### Matt O’Riley Moves to the Premier League
Given his talent, it seemed inevitable that O’Riley would move on, and this summer he did just that, joining Brighton for an initial £25 million. The transfer set a record for a Scottish club sale. While an injury has delayed O’Riley’s Premier League debut for Brighton, there’s high anticipation that he will be a key player for the Seagulls in the coming seasons.
Riley McGree Reflects on Celtic Rejection
Meanwhile, Riley McGree must be left wondering what might have been if he had completed his move to Celtic. With O’Riley’s success and high-profile transfer, McGree could be reflecting on the missed opportunity.
While Riley McGree has consistently maintained that he does not regret turning down a move to Celtic, it’s only natural to wonder what might have happened had he joined the Glasgow club. McGree initially explained his decision by expressing a desire to eventually play in the Premier League, with his goal still being to achieve that with Middlesbrough.
However, the reality is that Matt O’Riley has already reached that level thanks to his standout performances for Celtic, landing a move to Brighton this summer.
Celtic has historically been a strong platform for players aiming for the Premier League. Stars like Stan Petrov, Virgil van Dijk, Kieran Tierney, and Odsonne Edouard have all used the club as a stepping stone to England’s top flight, and O’Riley is now following in their footsteps.
| Riley McGree Career Stats (Source: Transfermarkt) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists | |
| Adelaide United | 48 | 14 | 6 | |
| Newcastle Jets | 12 | 5 | 1 | |
| Melbourne City | 30 | 8 | 4 | |
| Birmingham City | 30 | 3 | 2 | |
| Middlesbrough | 83 | 14 | 6 | |
While we can’t say for sure how Riley McGree would have fared at Celtic, the opportunity to work under managers like Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers would likely have elevated his game. Playing in the Champions League could have boosted his profile, and being part of an attack-minded team might have been exactly what the former Birmingham City player needed to reach his full potential.
McGree Still Has Premier League Ambitions with Middlesbrough
That said, it’s not all doom and gloom for McGree. He remains an integral part of a talented Middlesbrough squad, working under highly regarded manager Michael Carrick, who is seen as a future top-level coach. Despite McGree’s recent injury absence, Boro have made a solid start to the season, and smart transfers towards the end of the window have strengthened the squad.
Promotion to the Premier League is the clear goal for everyone at Middlesbrough, and there’s a strong desire within the group to achieve it. McGree will be fully focused on helping Boro reach the top flight, leaving any regrets over the Celtic decision firmly in the past. Achieving his Premier League dream with Middlesbrough would silence any lingering thoughts of what might have been.
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