Matt O’Riley will be joining Leeds United this summer, according to Carlton Palmer’s approval. As he continues to shine in the Scottish Premiership, the 23-year-old midfielder has been strongly linked to a move away from Celtic for some time.

O’Riley has played in 39 games for the Bhoys this season, contributing 10 assists and 11 goals. His contract at Celtic Park expires in 2027. Several elite European teams are apparently interested in him due to his outstanding performances, and Daniel Farke’s team has reportedly been pushed to give it a shot.

 


In an interview with Football League World, Palmer hinted that £25 million might be sufficient to get the signature of the Denmark international. The former England international stated: “Matt O’Riley, a midfield player for Celtic, is being pursued by a number of teams, including Leeds United.”

“Leeds were linked with a summer move for O’Riley, making several bids for the player, believed to be around £10 million, that Celtic turned down. He’s attracting attention from home and abroad. Atletico Madrid apparently had a bid turned down in January of £10million, and the likes of Brentford and Brighton are looking at him.

“Matt has had a fantastic time at Celtic, the 23-year-old is having a fantastic season with 26 goal contributions, he’s played in the Champions League and he’s also made his debut for his country. We’ll have to wait and see, this could be a fantastic signing for Leeds United if they get promoted to the Premier League, but I think it’s going to cost a lot of money.

“As I said, it’s being reported that £10 million was turned down by Celtic from Atletico Madrid, Brendan Rodgers has made it clear that he wants the player to stay. The player is playing in the Champions League and is doing well. So, to get him out of the football club, a price tag has been mooted of about £25 million.

“But at the age of 23 he’d be a very, very good signing for Leeds if they got promoted to the Premier League. He would be a fantastic signing if they could get him, but I’m sure Celtic will be keen to hang on to the player.”

O’Riley was questioned about his future at Celtic earlier this month. The midfield player added, “It was cool that Celtic received an offer from them (Atletico Madrid),” in an interview with the Danish publication Tipsbladet. Celtic wanted more money, but I wasn’t actually on the verge of leaving.

“I’m not upset about it. For me, it was just cool that a club like them would want me. It’s not often you receive an offer from Atletico Madrid, so of course, it’s great, we have to see what happens (next).”