5 Celtic transfer headlines as Matt...

5 Celtic transfer headlines as Matt O’Riley alternative signs, Alvyn Sanches waits and… Read More 👇

Celtic have shown resilience this summer, particularly regarding the future of key midfielder Matt O’Riley, who has been at the center of transfer speculation. Despite several clubs expressing interest, Celtic have held firm on their valuation, reportedly set at over £25 million.

Atalanta, the Serie A club that won last season’s Europa League, has been the most persistent suitor for O’Riley, having reportedly submitted as many as five bids for the Dane. However, Celtic has rejected all of them, maintaining their stance on the player’s value. It appears that Atalanta has now shifted their focus elsewhere, recently securing the signing of Lazar Samardžić from Udinese, a player with a similar profile to O’Riley. This acquisition likely signals the end of Atalanta’s pursuit of the Celtic playmaker.

With Atalanta seemingly out of the race, Brighton & Hove Albion remain as the most credible contenders for O’Riley’s signature. However, interest from Brighton is not without competition, as Southampton was previously in the running before manager Russell Martin hinted that the club may have been priced out of the deal. The Saints are known to have admired O’Riley, but the financial demands set by Celtic appear to have cooled their interest, leaving Brighton as the only potential suitor.

Should O’Riley depart Celtic Park, the club has already identified potential replacements. Arne Engels is one name on Celtic’s shortlist, although bringing the Belgian midfielder to Glasgow is not without challenges. Engels currently plays for Augsburg, and his potential move hinges on the Bundesliga side retaining Ruben Vargas. Augsburg is understandably reluctant to lose two key players in one transfer window, particularly in the same position, which complicates negotiations for Engels. Additionally, the £10 million asking price for the Belgian could prove to be another obstacle.

Another possible alternative for Celtic is Alvyn Sanches, who has been on the club’s radar for some time. The 21-year-old is seen as a viable option should O’Riley leave, and Celtic could move for him if their talisman does exit the club.

In the forward department, Celtic currently boasts two strikers, Kyogo Furuhashi and Adam Idah, with the latter being one of their most expensive signings. However, manager Brendan Rodgers has made it clear that he prefers to have a three-pronged attack for the upcoming season, meaning that an additional striker is likely to be on the agenda. One name that has emerged as a target is Aaron Connolly, an Irish striker currently available on a free transfer after his recent stint with Hull City. At 24 years old, Connolly has previously represented the Republic of Ireland and has played for clubs such as Brighton & Hove Albion, Middlesbrough, and Luton Town.

Connolly has attracted significant interest from MLS clubs, but with their transfer window now closed, he is likely to focus on opportunities in Europe. There is also interest from clubs in the English Football League, which could provide competition for his signature. Despite this, Celtic is closely monitoring his situation and could make a move if Rodgers deems him a good fit for the squad.

In other transfer news, Raheem Sterling’s name has been mentioned in connection with Celtic, but former Rangers striker and current pundit Ally McCoist was quick to dismiss the idea. McCoist noted that while Sterling has a history with Brendan Rodgers from their time together at Liverpool, he believes the England international would see a move to Celtic as a step down in his career. Instead, McCoist suggested that if Sterling were to leave Chelsea, he would be more likely to move to Saudi Arabia, where several high-profile players have relocated in recent months.

Celtic’s summer transfer activity has been characterized by strategic planning and firm decision-making, with the club balancing potential departures with possible new arrivals. As the transfer window progresses, it remains to be seen how these moves will impact the squad as they prepare for the upcoming season.