Matt O’Riley has remained the ultimate professional despite all the transfer noise around him this summer.
Last season, Celtic fans and Brendan Rodgers acknowledged that they could lose their key man, given his performances and how he is the best player in Scotland.
Back in January, Spanish giants Atletico Madrid made a move for O’Riley, so the signs were there from the off that he was going to leave sooner rather than later.
And now sources have told HITC that Celtic have received a £25 million+ bid for O’Riley, with Atalanta keen on the quick-thinking playmaker.
One thing is for sure, if the Bhoys do let him leave, then they are going to get their pennies worth and a serious amount of money to invest, or so you would think!
But it has been suggested that the champions of Scotland might not invest that money on a replacement for O’Riley.
Tam McManus warned that there would be utter ‘carnage’ at Celtic Park if they ‘don’t bring anyone in’, as he told PLZ Soccer.
Celtic have re-signed Paulo Bernardo in a bargain deal and it was pointed out that he could ‘slot into that area’ and fill the O’Riley void.
Celtic replacement for Matt O’Riley
“I don’t think Celtic can afford a like-for-like replacement anyway,” said McManus on suggestions Celtic won’t replace O’Riley if he leaves.
“I think Bernardo will slot into that area if he does go. If Celtic sell O’Riley before the window closes and don’t bring in anyone in. It’s going to be carnage at Celtic Park.
“I still think they will bring Idah in. They have got to bring a striker in. If Kyogo gets injured, there isn’t a lot there, in terms of a striker, so I think they will definitely sign a striker.”
Celtic’s 100% start
It’s what you expected, but the team have made a 100% start to the new campaign.
Celtic beat Hibernian 2-0 on Sunday, but what was impressive about that victory and the opening game is the manner of performance.
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Compared to last season, the players are looking much sharper and quicker, with and without the ball.
You don’t just expect Celtic to win the title here, but steamroll and embarrass Rangers again because Rogers has done it many times before.
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