Why Matt O’Riley chose Celtic over Swansea and Blackburn revealed

MILTON KEYNES, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Matt O'Riley of Milton Keynes Dons in action during the Sky Bet League One match between Milton Keynes Dons and Charlton Athletic at Stadium mk on August 17, 2021 in Milton Keynes, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
MILTON KEYNES, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Matt O'Riley of Milton Keynes Dons in action during the Sky Bet League One match between Milton Keynes Dons and Charlton Athletic at Stadium mk on August 17, 2021 in Milton Keynes, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

Celtic look set to complete their fifth signing of the January transfer window soon in the form of Matt O’Riley, who has been impressive for MK Dons in recent times. Rumours had suggested that Swansea City and Blackburn Rovers were also looking to make a move for the highly-rated midfielder, but the 21-year-old appears to have chosen a Parkhead switch instead, which is a bit surprising in modern football.

We have already seen Riley McGree pick a move to Middlesbrough over Celtic this summer itself. But this time around, things appear to have turned out differently.

There have already been suggestions that O’Riley is undergoing his medical at Celtic and thus, the move might not be too far away from being over the line. The transfer fee is believed to be in the region of £1.5 million.

As reported by the Daily Mail, Celtic are set to finalise a move for O’Riley as they fought off competition from Swansea City and Blackburn Rovers after a personal intervention from Ange Postecoglou.

O’Riley looks set to be headed to Celtic

O’Riley has been incredibly impressive in recent times. According to stats from Transfermarkt, he has scored 7 goals and provided 6 assists in 30 appearances for MK Dons this season.

And not only is he a good midfielder, but he looks like a leader as well. Despite turning 21 years of age last November, he has already captained MK Dons on multiple occasions in the past.

Thus, it looks like Celtic are getting a solid player and till now, Postecoglou has shown an incredible eye for talent when it comes to transfers.

Now, many might question whether he will be able to make an impact for the Celtic first-team, as he is currently playing in League One. But then, the same questions where asked about Ivan Toney last season as well and we all know how that turned out.