Agbonlahor on Matt O’Riley and Celtic teammate joining Premier League club after what he’s seen
Jota and Matt O’Riley are not ready to leave Celtic and join a Premier League team, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker insisted it is too soon for the pair to be considered by a Premier League club.
Jota, 23, moved to the Hoops last year on loan and completed a permanent switch this summer while O’Riley, 21, arrived from MK Dons in the January transfer window.
The pair put in impressive displays as Celtic beat Rangers 4-0 last week (3 September) with O’Riley registering two assists and Jota finding the net.
They also put in commendable performances as the Bhoys lost 3-0 to European champions Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday (6 September).
Asked whether he thought Premier League sides would be interested in Jota or O’Riley, Agbonahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “No, I don’t.
“They’re decent players but I still think they’ve got a lot to prove before they play in a top, top league.
“Hopefully in the future, it can happen but I still feel it’s early days. The Premier League is a tough elite league where some players come and struggle.
“I wouldn’t rush players into it, to be honest. O’Riley’s been there eight months, you give them more time and not rush them into it.”
Jota is under contract until the summer of 2027 after signing a five-year contract last summer.
O’Riley‘s deal has four years left to run.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has tipped Celtic to rescue a £14million bonus as emergency talks begin.