Celtic Rejects Fifth Bid from Atalanta for Matt O'Riley

Celtic Rejects Latest Bid for Matt O'Riley from Atalanta

Scottish Premiership giants Celtic have turned down a fifth bid from Italian club Atalanta for their prized midfielder, Matt O'Riley. The latest offer from Atalanta amounted to £21.5 million, inclusive of add-ons, as they continue their pursuit of the talented Denmark international.

Background of the Transfer Saga

Atalanta's interest in O'Riley has been evident for over a month, with several previous offers also rejected by Celtic. The club has dismissed bids of £14 million, £14.3 million, £15 million, and £20 million. This pattern indicates Celtic's determination to hold on to their rising star.

Other Clubs in the Mix

In addition to Atalanta, other prominent clubs including Brighton and Chelsea have shown interest in the 23-year-old midfielder. O'Riley had an impressive season last year, scoring 19 goals and providing 18 assists in 49 appearances, which has understandably attracted attention from some of Europe’s top clubs.

Contract and Future Prospects

O'Riley is under contract with Celtic until 2027, which gives the club a strong negotiating position. Earlier this year, an offer of £20 million from Atletico Madrid was also turned down, demonstrating Celtic's strong stance on retaining their key players.

Brendan Rodgers on Player Valuation

Manager Brendan Rodgers has emphasized the importance of valuing players correctly, regardless of the league they play in. In statements made to Sky Sports News, he mentioned:

"There are obviously bids that will come in for Matt O'Riley but, I repeat, there is no need for us to sell and we don't want to sell. If there's an offer that comes in that fits the valuation of the player then that's a different matter."

O'Riley's Performance This Season

The young talent has already made his mark this season by assisting one of the goals in Celtic's recent 4-0 victory against Kilmarnock, showcasing his capability and importance to the team.

Conclusion

The ongoing saga surrounding Matt O'Riley's potential transfer continues to unfold, with Atalanta seemingly undeterred despite repeated rejections. Celtic's resolve demonstrates their commitment to maintaining a competitive squad as they prepare for another ambitious season in Scottish football.

Stay Updated on Transfer News

For the latest updates on transfer news in the Scottish Premiership and beyond, stay tuned. The football landscape is always evolving, and players like O'Riley could be central to exciting developments in the days ahead.