Everton have enjoyed a surprisingly busy transfer window thus far, even welcoming a new addition earlier today.
Having signed Iliman Ndiaye, with the help of one Everton player in particular, he is the club’s third acquisition of the window, all of whom should bolster the first team
This Senegal international will provide magical firepower and versatility up top, whilst Tim Iroegbunam offers solidity and promise in the midfield. Meanwhile, Jack Harrison will offer dependability on the flank, and hopefully some more attacking prowess too.
However, this is seemingly just the beginning.
Graeme Bailey reveals Everton transfer plans
Having first spoken to HITC about Everton’s interest in Celtic midfielder, journalist Graeme Bailey then offered a further exclusive to Everton.News when we spoke to him.
The initial report read: ‘Southampton are £10 million short of the fee Celtic want for Matt O’Riley with Premier League rivals West Ham United, Everton, Fulham and Brentford having held talks with the Denmark international.
‘HITC understands that Celtic, if they are to cash in on their Player of the Year, want a fee that would make Matt O’Riley the club’s all-time most expensive export.
‘West Ham United, Everton and Brentford have all held talks.’
However, Bailey would continue by claiming: ‘Everton have liked him for a while. He’s on the list. It all depends on what Celtic’s asking price is. Celtic are weighing up their actions and the clubs that are in for him value him at nearer £20m. They want £30m.
‘He’s one of interest to them.’
How good is Celtic’s Matt O’Riley?
Having moved to Celtic from MK Dons, where he joined after seemingly failing to make the transition from Fulham’s academy to their first-team setup, the 23-year-old had offered a glimpse of the greatness that was to come.
However, few likely could have predicted the Denmark international, who was controversially snubbed from their Euro 2024 squad this summer, would become as influential as he has done.
Sky Sports put it rather eloquently just last year, as they outlined the phenomenal data that underpinned a stunning first season in top-flight football.
It reads: ‘In short, in the Scottish Premiership this season [2022/23], O’Riley has the most assists (11), has created the most big chances in the division (14), has the second-most touches in the opposition box (184) and won the ball in the final third more times (28) than anyone else bar two other players – and he is a central midfielder.’
He would follow that up with a further 18 goals and 13 assists in the most recent campaign, as a silky maestro capable of creating, scoring and defending.
He has amassed 121 senior appearances for the Bhoys, and is seemingly only getting better.
Investing in him now and exposing him to Premier League football as soon as possible will likely only further that already startling development.