Atalanta continues to keep a close eye on Celtic Glasgow midfielder Matt O’Riley, who is high on their list of potential signings. The 23-year-old Danish international possesses all the qualities that align with Atalanta’s strategic vision: he’s young, ambitious, and physically strong, having already built a respectable resume. Known for his versatility, O’Riley has a knack for both scoring and assisting, making him a well-rounded addition to the squad.
Standing nearly 1.90 meters tall, O’Riley has showcased his intensity and resilience in both the Premier League and Scottish leagues. He has gained international experience competing for England’s U21 team and has participated in two UEFA Champions League seasons with Celtic, where he started all 12 matches, including two against Lazio in October and November 2023. Although he has only two appearances for Denmark, this year, which didn’t earn him a spot in the European Championship squad, he is still young and has time to develop further.
Technically, O’Riley is a classic all-round midfielder who can play various roles, including as a central midfielder or defensive midfielder, and he isn’t shy about contributing to the attack. His statistics from his time at Celtic reflect his evolution: in his first season, he scored four goals and assisted twice, while in his subsequent season, he shifted to an assist-centric role, contributing 14 assists alongside four goals. Last season saw him elevate his game even further, with a considerable contribution of 19 goals and 18 assists.
Atalanta sees O’Riley as a crucial addition that could enhance the overall quality and depth of their squad. The club is pursuing him irrespective of potential transfers, such as that of Teun Koopmeiners. Negotiations with Celtic are separate from dealings with Juventus or other clubs, which allows Atalanta the freedom to manage their transfer strategy without urgency. Gasperini, the head coach, hopes to finalize the squad as soon as possible. Moreover, Atalanta appears to be in a favorable position regarding interest from other clubs, with O’Riley reportedly favoring a move to Italy, which could provide him with another season of Champions League football.
The major hurdle remains the transfer fee demanded by Celtic, who value O’Riley highly. Atalanta’s most recent offer was €18 million plus €3 million in bonuses, while Celtic is holding firm at €26 million plus €3 million, unwilling to go below a total of €25 million. Brendan Rodgers, Celtic’s manager, recently stated that no player will leave the club without the right valuation, emphasizing that no serious offers have met their expectations so far.
Both clubs are expected to reconnect soon to discuss the transfer and find a way to bridge the financial gap. Meanwhile, communication through O’Riley’s representatives continues, allowing for mixed signals that suggest the negotiation remains very much alive. With additional funds from the sale of Aleksey Miranchuk, Atalanta is well-positioned to make a decisive move to secure the ideal reinforcement that Gasperini is looking for.