Matt O’Riley is still a Celtic player to the relief of the supporters.
There is a lot of talk about the playmaker heading for the exit door this summer, but amid that noise, he is still putting in strong performances out on the pitch and remaining professional.
Celtic beat Hibernian 2-0 on Sunday to continue their 100% start to the new Premiership campaign, as Brendan Rodgers’ side look better than ever.
Sources have told HITC that Celtic have received a £25 million+ bid for O’Riley, with Europa League winners Atalanta keen on the player.
If he stays, it’s a win-win situation for the supporters, but they are well aware that if he leaves, then they will get a strong fee for their star man.
Given that the Bhoys are already favourites to dominate again in Scotland, then it just further increases the team’s chances of widening the gap between themselves and Rangers.
Jim White was trying to warn Graeme Souness that if Celtic get a big fee for O’Riley, then they can use that money to pull further away from their rivals.
But with his Rangers hat and blue roses-tinted glasses firmly on, he wasn’t having any of it because he warned that it ‘doesn’t guarantee’ anything.
Souness stated it’s all about ‘how you spend that’ money as he seemingly questions if Celtic can be trusted to do so, as he told talkSPORT.
Matt O’Riley transfer fee
“The Matt O’Riley situation, if they end up getting what they want for him with that kind of money,” said White. “And it will be a lot more than the £20 million Atalanta have offered for a fourth time, then you have to think Celtic and Rodgers will strengthen again.”
Souness responded: “You get the £25 million or whatever it is. It’s how you spend that. It’s not guaranteed that you are going to spend it and you improve your squad. It’s how you spend it.
“Yes, you would much prefer to have it, than not have it. But it’s how you spend it. That’s important.”
Celtic in the transfer market
Perhaps someone needs to remind Souness about how Celtic have faired in the transfer market over the years.
O’Riley was brought in as an unknown figure from MK Dons and has now transformed into a really special player.
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Celtic have made a breakthrough to sign Adam Idah, another player who they have brought in and worked wonders with.
From Reo Hatate to Kyogo Furuhashi, these are other examples of how well Celtic have done in the transfer market.
So, if Rodgers can use a large chunk of that O’Riley transfer fee – if he is sold – then Celtic will only continue to run away from their rivals – Celtic have also been backed to sign Owen Beck on top of Idah.
The post Graeme Souness raises Celtic doubt amid possible Matt O'Riley transfer despite Jim White warning appeared first on HITC.
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