Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley has returned to Celtic training after getting a bit of extra time off to enjoy his summer break.
O’Riley wasn’t called up to Denmark’s Euro 2024 squad but did go through post-season training preparations in the event someone dropped out of the national team squad due to injury.
As a result, he wasn’t amongst the initial group of players that returned to Lennoxtown last Thursday. Posts from the player on Instagram show he has been enjoying trips to the Maldives and India in recent weeks.
However, he is now back at the training centre. He was spotted working yesterday as the Bhoys prepare to take on Ayr United in a Friday night friendly at Somerset Park.
O’Riley has been the subject of intense transfer speculation in the off-season so it’s heartening to see him back involved and motivated to get ready for the new campaign.
Talk of O’Riley bids and interest from English Premier League
Earlier this week it was reported that Southampton were one of the teams putting forward a bid for O’Riley’s services this summer, albeit at a lower value than Celtic want.
The Saints are said to be keen on an initial fee of £20m, below the Bhoys’ valuation which is closer to £30m.
O’Riley himself is reported to have set the bar high on an exit. Apparently, Southampton would not be offering wages at the level he would expect from his next move.
If the midfielder does end up moving this summer – which isn’t a foregone conclusion – it will only be for the right price and to the right club. He isn’t going to jump at the first team that shows interest.
In the meantime, we can expect to see him involved in pre-season matches and the upcoming USA tour, although an appearance against Ayr may come a bit too soon for him.