Matt O’Riley the first of three big names set to quit Celtic – expert
Frank McAvennie has claimed Aaron Mooy, David Turnbull and Matt O’Riley could all leave Celtic this summer.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Hoops striker has no doubts that there will be several new arrivals in the upcoming window and insisted there will be exits.
Last month (8 April), sources told this site that the Celts are expecting bids for O’Riley at the end of the season.
There is a strong interest in the 22-year-old from Premier League and English Championship sides.
O’Riley’s current contract runs until 2026 but had fallen down the pecking order at Parkhead as a result of Reo Hatate and Mooy’s impressive form.
The midfielder has enjoyed a return to the starting XI in recent weeks in place of Mooy.
As quoted by the Sun (16 April), Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou insisted that O’Riley is still a “key contributor” for the team and said that the competition is how he gets the best out of his players.
But McAvennie suggested O’Riley could be one of three leaving Glasgow in the summer.
“I do not think Mooy will be there next year,” he told Football Insider: “I think he has done wonders for us but he is 32 now and I think he will be a bit-part.
“I do not think Turnbull will be there next year, he will be playing a bit part.
“I think O’Riley might move. There are players that are going to go and Ange will bring players in. O’Riley has stepped up again and has been playing well, he was awful for a few games but the manager has stood by him.
“There is no question that he will bring players in and he has got an eye for a good player.“
In other news, Arsenal and Celtic lead race to sign left-back.