Celtic expert: Matt O’Riley could seal Premier League after £15m update
Frank McAvennie has claimed Matt O’Riley will only quit Celtic to join a Premier League club for the money.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Hoops striker said that if O’Riley wants to “win medals” he will stay at Parkhead but he could be lured away by the money.
According to ESPN, as relayed by LeicestershireLive (12 December), the 22-year-old could cost between £15-£20million in January.
Leicester City are believed to be keeping tabs on the midfielder but are expected to face competition from clubs including Newcastle, Arsenal, Man United and Liverpool.
The Denmark under-21 international joined the Green and Whites from MK Dons in January of this year for £1.5million.
His current contract runs until 2026 but Ange Postecoglou’s side could lose him in January if the price is right.
McAvennie said a move will be based on O’Riley’s priorities.
“It depends what he wants,” he told Football Insider.
“Does he want medals? Because he will get a good contract at Celtic I would imagine. It would see him out for the rest of his life.
“I would suggest if he goes to England it is not about winning things it will be about money. If he stays at Celtic he will win a lot more medals. If the right price comes in Celtic are going to look at it unfortunately.“
O’Riley was in the starting lineup for the Hoops in their 1-0 victory over Aberdeen on Saturday (17 December).
In other news, McManus has backed Celtic to complete striker signing as fans start turning on Kyogo Furuhashi.