Green Day once sang ‘Wake Me Up When September Ends’.
For the Celtic supporters, they could be forgiven for wishing they could slumber through the rest of August, woken up on September 1st when the transfer window is behind them.
‘Wake Me Up When September Starts’.
Concerns over the future of Matt O’Riley have even the most optimistic Hoops fans counting down the days until the window closes.
After a couple of failed bids from Italian giants and Europa League winners Atalanta, HITC understands that Brighton and Hove Albion have now opened talks about a deal that would make O’Riley the most expensive export in Celtic’s history.
HITC have been told that personal terms between the London-born Denmark international and The Seagulls have been agreed in principle. Discussions are continuing with regards to a transfer fee too.
Celtic want over £25 million. Should Brighton make such an offer, O’Riley will overtake Jota as the biggest ever Parkhead departure.
Brighton CEO does not rule out Matt O’Riley deal with Celtic
Brighton CEO and deputy chairman Paul Barber was, rather inevitably, asked about the progress of that O’Riley deal when appearing on talkSPORT this Tuesday morning (20 August, 10.50am).
And while he was understandably keen to keep his cards close to his chest, Barber certainly did not rule out the prospect of the former Fulham and MK Dons starlet becoming Brighton’s latest big-money arrival.
“I don’t want to talk about other clubs players. That wouldn’t be appropriate,” Barber says. “But we are always looking to strengthen our squad when we can.
“We want to give Fabian the best chance of success. Lots of clubs are investing and we know its going to be a very competitive season.”
Should O’Riley arrive following the £40 million acquisition of Georginio Rutter from Leeds United, Brighton’s summer spend would edge ever closer to the £200 million mark. Yankuba Minteh has also joined from Newcastle United alongside ex-Feyenoord enforcer Mats Wieffer and Mainz starlet Brajan Gruda.
Youngsters Ibrahim Osman and Malick Junior Yalcouye have also been snapped up from Scandinavian football.
Atalanta, at least, are out of the O’Riley race. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side have struck a £17 million deal with Udinese for Lazar Samardzic.
Brendan Rodgers keen to keep Parkhead ace
“I don’t know is the honest answer,” Rodgers told the Scottish Sun when asked out O’Riley’s future on Saturday. “You see with him that he is an incredibly talented player.
“There is a value we have for him. And if that’s not met he will be here. It’s as simple as that. He is really happy here. (The offer) has to be something that draws him away.
“I am not overthinking it. We all know the model here at Celtic; players will improve and they will get to a level that get beyond, not the club, but in terms of the financial salary. But, until that comes, we continue to work with him.”
Celtic have been linked with a number of potential replacements.
The versatile Augsburg starlet Arne Engels is one. Bazoumana Toure of Hammarby is another name to keep an eye on, the Swedish outfit confirming that they want upwards of £7 million for the teenage midfielder.
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