Liverpool will need to break their club record by paying a hefty £25 million fee if they want to secure the services of Celtic’s highly sought-after midfielder, Matt O’Riley. According to a report by Teamtalk, Atalanta is currently leading the race to sign the 23-year-old Denmark international.
Despite Atalanta’s strong interest, Liverpool is closely monitoring O’Riley’s situation, with Atletico Madrid also expressing interest in the talented midfielder. The Scottish champions are adamant about receiving a package exceeding £25 million, including bonuses and potential add-ons, before considering selling their star player.
O’Riley, who primarily plays as a No.8, began his career at the Fulham academy before moving on to MK Dons and eventually joining Celtic in 2022. He has been a key player for Celtic, scoring 19 goals and providing 18 assists in 49 matches last season.
The player has also earned two caps for the Denmark senior team and is under contract with Celtic until 2027. Despite his desire for a move to Serie A, O’Riley is not expected to force a transfer and has been actively involved in the club’s pre-season preparations.
Atalanta’s pursuit of O’Riley is fueled by the potential departure of Teun Koopmeiners, with Juventus also showing interest in the midfielder. However, Atalanta’s initial bid of €16 million for O’Riley was rejected, and they are preparing to make another offer.
Liverpool, under the management of Brendan Rodgers, could consider O’Riley as a valuable addition to their squad, providing a crucial homegrown spot. With Thiago Alcantara’s contract expiring, Liverpool may opt for a more experienced midfield option.
Although O’Riley is attracting interest from various clubs, including West Ham, Everton, and Leicester, his future remains uncertain as negotiations continue between Celtic and potential suitors.
