MATT O’RILEY could be given the opportunity to say a final farewell to Celtic fans against St Mirren in Paisley tomorrow.
The smooth midfield operator is on his way to Brighton in a record-breaking deal which will eclipse the previous high of £25million for Kieran Tierney and Filipe Jota to Arsenal and Al-Ettihad respectively.
O’Riley became a pivotal figure in Brendan Rodgers’ first team last season as he scored 19 goals and 18 assists as the Hoops completed the league and Cup double.
LET US PLAY…Matt O’Riley prepares for his Celtic debut in the 2-1 league win over Hearts at Tynecastle on February 26 2022.
The London-born Denmark international had gatecrashed Ange Postecoglou’s side shortly after his £1.5million arrival from third-tier MK Dons in January 2022, claiming four goals in his debut campaign.
O’Riley has become a firm favourite with the Parkhead faithful and it was be a fitting end to his career at Celtic if he got the chance to say a last goodbye this weekend.
The gifted 23-year-old playmaker has made a total of 124 appearances, collecting 27 goals and setting up another 35 strikes.
He has been in the transfer spotlight this summer and Europa League winners Atalanta failed in FIVE attempts for the middle-of-the-park performer.
Atletico Madrid were also out of luck in January in a move which would have brought in £20million.
LET US PRAY…Matt O’Riley celebrates his goal in Celtic’s 3-0 Premiership win over St Mirren in Paisley on January 2 2024.
The will-he-or-won’t-he saga is now nearing a conclusion with the switch rising to £30million after an initial £25million payment, according to Sky Sports.
O’Riley, under contract at the Hoops until 2027, has been praised by Rodgers for his professional stance throughout and he has played in all three of the champions’ games in the new season.
It is understood the mega move will be completed over the weekend – but it is unclear if the player will face St Mirren in the noon kick-off tomorrow.
Brighton play Manchester United in a 12.30pm start at the Amex Stadium today.
