Celtic might have pulled off £1.5 million transfer masterstroke

Celtic appeared to have missed out when Riley McGree ended up joining Middlesbrough despite a move to Parkhead looking very close at one point of time. Ange Postecoglou had known the midfielder from his time as the Australian national team manager, having handed him his first international call up. Since then, he had been impressive and it was not hard to see why the Hoops might have wanted to sign him.

Middlesbrough are believed to have swooped in with a late offer though and gotten the deal done for McGree ahead of Celtic. It is safe to say that it was a blow for Postecoglou’s side.

But the Hoops have not waited long before adding to their midfield ranks by bringing in Matt O’Riley from MK Dons in what is believed to have seen them shell out a transfer fee in the region of £1.5 million.

The club had already signed Daizen Maeda, Yosuke Ideguchi, Reo Hatate and Johnny Kenny this month, and now, they have added the name of O’Riley to that list as well. It will be very interesting to see how he ends up doing at Parkhead after having impressed tremendously for the League One side.

Celtic might have pulled off £1.5 million transfer masterstroke

O’Riley has been an absolute standout for MK Dons in League One in recent times but one has to wonder how he will adjust to life at Celtic.

On one hand, it is definitely a jump up for the midfielder. Also, this will be his first taste of Scottish football. And finally, he will face much more competition for first-team spots now than he has done anytime in the past.

There is no questioning his talent or potential though and if he can find his feet in Glasgow, this might prove to be a masterstroke on the part of Celtic.