As interest in Celtic hero Matt O’Riley continues to ramp up this summer, Brendan Rodgers could be faced with yet another arduous task of replacing a high-profile member of his team.
The Celtic boss already has the unenviable job of replacing Joe Hart so the last thing he needs is having to look at getting another player of quality in to replace O’Riley should he leave this summer.
The Danish international midfielder is not involved in this summer’s Euro 2024 competition but that hasn’t stopped some of the top clubs in Europe from looking to capture his signature.
Celtic have been tipped to get ‘a hefty’ fee for their prized asset so should O’Riley decide to go, who could Brendan Rodgers look at to replace the popular midfielder?
Dmytro Kryskiv as a viable Celtic option
Even if O’Riley stays, Shakthar Dontesk’s Dmytro Kryskiv should still be a person of interest to Celtic.
The central midfielder is not yet capped by Ukraine but does have 21 U21 appearances under his belt. He most recently shone with the national side in the Euro 2023 U21 competition last summer.
Kryskiv’s Ukraine made it to the semi-final stages after beating a highly-rated French team in the quarter-final 3-1.
During the qualification process for the tournament, the 23-year-old midfielder was Ukraine’s stand-out performer as the top scorer with four goals. [UEFA]
Predominantly a central midfielder, Kryskiv is versatile and has been deployed in the more advanced attacking role, defensive midfield area and even on the left wing.
In 38 appearances for Donetsk, the youngster made five of those in the Champions League starring in wins over Barcelona and Royal Antwerp. [Transfermarkt]
With 16 goals and 16 assists in 120 career appearances at just 23, and a Ukrainian champion and cup winner, he could be available for free and offer Brendan Rodgers that much-needed quality he desires should O’Riley decide to ply his trade elsewhere next season.