'Really close' - Major update on Matt O'Riley's Celtic future

For a long time, Matt O'Riley has been linked with a Celtic exit. His tremendous performances last season under the management of Brendan Rodgers further increased interest in the Danish international's signature. Now, a summer departure is starting to feel almost inevitable with top clubs from around Europe seemingly trying to sign him.

Clubs like Inter Milan, Juventus, Atalanta, Chelsea and several others have been linked with O'Riley in recent times. Atletico Madrid even made a failed offer to sign him in January.

It is understandable why O'Riley leaving in the middle of the season was ruled out by Celtic. But it would be a surprise if he is still at the club when the current summer transfer window comes to a close.

In fact, it looks like Brighton & Hove Albion have already made a transfer offer close to what Celtic would want to part ways with O'Riley. A report from AlfredoPedulla.com goes on to state:

"Brighton, which has great financial availability, has always targeted O'Riley and in the last few hours has reportedly presented an offer of 25 million plus 4 bonuses which is really close to what the Scottish club has always asked for the 2000-born player. A piece of news that will certainly not please Atalanta, we will see if a deal will be reached in the next few hours."

'Really close' - Major update on Matt O'Riley's Celtic future

It would be safe to say that the majority want O'Riley to remain at the club, for at least another season. Working with Rodgers did him a world of good last season and he is only expected to improve further if he continues to play under the management of the Northern Irishman.

At the same time, there is an understanding that the club would be open to O'Riley leaving, if the right offer arrives on their table. That is the case every summer and for every player. It is just the reality of life as a Celtic supporter.

The major worry for many would not be O'Riley leaving but who the club end up replacing him with. It is not easy to find a midfielder who can contribute 20 goals and assists each in a season. And if Celtic make project signings to fill his void, like they did when Jota left, it would weaken the squad.