Celtic have already seen one key player leave the club this summer in Jota. The Portuguese winger has completed a £25 million move to Al-Ittihad. It was unexpected and the Hoops now need to replace him. The 24-year-old had been a nailed on starter over the past couple of seasons. And it is quite clear that the Parkhead outfit cannot afford anymore exits of that magnitude in the ongoing transfer window.
That has not stopped key Celtic players from being linked with moves away this summer. Matt O’Riley is someone who has been rumoured with a Parkhead exit for a long time now.
Rumours have suggested that clubs from down south are keeping a close eye on him. A club like West Ham United could be a possible destination for him.
Frank McAvennie is someone who played for both clubs. And he seems to believe that O’Riley needs another year at Celtic before making the move to England. While speaking to West Ham Zone, he said:
"“You don’t want to be someone who is ready to play and one of the first options at Celtic, then go somewhere else where you’re not the first option. You don’t want to go to West Ham and be unsure whether you’re going to play or not.“Do I think O’Riley could make it? Yes, but I would give him another year at Celtic, and then he’ll be battle-hardened to go down to England.”"
Celtic player told to not join West Ham United this summer
Celtic signed O’Riley from then English League One side, MK Dons, in early 2022. He did not even appear to be the club’s first-choice target, as they had been heavily linked with Riley McGree in the early parts of that January transfer window.
McGree would end up joining Middlesbrough though, and Celtic went on to sign O’Riley. In hindsight, things have gone spectacularly well for the Hoops.
O’Riley has emerged as an excellent young talent, who seems destined to play in the Premier League and should bring in a healthy transfer fee to Parkhead, when he does make the move down south.
For now, another season at Celtic would not be a bad idea. O’Riley will only improve, if he gets to play under the management of Brendan Rodgers for year.