Leeds United have been linked with an ambitious move for a Denmark international that has just helped his side win the league title, and he has said it would be hard to leave.
A no.10 is likely to be an area that Daniel Farke looks to recruit in this summer. That is whether the club are in the Championship or in the Premier League, with the play-off final in a week’s time at Wembley.
Leeds of course, have played with Joel Piroe and Georgunio Rutter in the no.10 role this season, but ahead of the 2023-24 campaign neither Rutter or Piroe had been recognised as attacking midfielders.
Last summer, Leeds tried to sign Nadiem Amiri from Bayer Leverkusen and even had him at Elland Road for talks. But Amiri has since said commented on the failed move, with the German ace joining Mainz.
Kenny McLean was the subject of a £4m Leeds bid, while Celtic’s Matt O’Riley was also a target. The Celtic ace has just starred for The Hoops during 2023-24, helping them win the title with 37 goals and assists.
Leeds are supposedly said to be linked with a move again this summer if the club gain promotion, even though he might have outgrown a possible move to Yorkshire. Here is what he said about a summer exit:
Matt O’Riley comments on Celtic future amid Leeds United links
O’Riley has been quite sensational this season for Brendan Rodgers’ side as Celtic picked up their 12th league title in 13 years. Set-pieces, long-range shooting, assists, he has a bit of everything a no.10 needs.
He certainly matches what Leeds would want to bring in as an attacking midfielder but given his form domestically and in Europe for Celtic, a move to a big Premier League club is likely, or even in Europe.
Indeed, two of the Premier League’s big six are supposedly in talks for O’Riley. But the midfielder has now commented on his future and while he left the door open, he said it would be hard to leave The Hoops.
O’Riley told Sky Sports (May 18, 3pm) after Celtic won the League title: “That’s a tough question. Yeah, it would be very difficult (to walk away from Celtic). I have said before. The club means a lot to me.
“I think right from day one, I fell in love with the club because the fans are so crazy and passionate, you know, It’s a proper fanbase. Yeah, one more game to focus on and I will take it from there,” O’Riley said.
Kenny Miller is convinced that Celtic star O’Riley is leaving
He has been linked with plenty of clubs over the last couple of years, after being signed by now-Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou from MK Dons. In no time at all, he has blossomed into a top-quality no.10.
Speaking earlier this month, Scotland and Rangers icon Kenny Miller spoke about O’Riley’s future and is convinced he will be leaving Parkhead. He believes Rodgers will have to find a replacement for O’Riley.
“If you add that end product, then it can take your game to another level as a midfielder. There is no doubt that he could be one of the players Brendan might need to replace, no doubt he will have suitors.”