Leeds: Matt O’Riley transfer update
A new development implies that Leeds United is still hopeful of signing Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley before tonight’s transfer deadline. Leeds had been considering a late bid for the youngster.
Today, who might Leeds sign?
Four additional players have joined the team in the previous seven days, bringing the total number of new additions for The 49ers Enterprises to eight.
Ethan Ampadu, Sam Byram, Karl Darlow, and Joe Rodon have joined Joel Piroe, Djed Spence, Ilia Gruev, and Glen Kamara at Elland Road, and there may still be room for more.
According to The Daily Mail, Leeds are preparing backup plans for their offence and have begun speaking with AS Roma about the possibility of signing winger Ola Solbakken. If Wilfried Gnonto or Luis Sinisterra decide to leave Yorkshire, a deal for the Norwegian might very well be in the works, and despite signing two new midfielders yesterday in Gruev and Kamara, a move for O’Riley still seems to be of interest.
A new development has emerged following previous reports that Leeds is interested in signing the Celtic player. On Thursday night, Sky Sports reported that Leeds had made a bid of £10 million for O’Riley, which the Hoops had rejected.
“Leeds made a £10 million offer for Matt O’Riley, which was noteworthy for a Championship team splashing the cash. Celtic rejected the offer.
“The Scottish Champions have reiterated to Leeds that they do not consider the player to be for sale.”
Who is Matt O’Riley?
O’Riley, 22, is primarily a central midfielder who can also play in holding or advanced midfield roles when required.
The London-born midfielder has actually represented Denmark at U21 level and began his career on the books at Fulham but made just five senior appearances before being released.
He then went on to sign for MK Dons and turned out on 54 occasions, contributing to 18 goals, with former manager at MK Dons, Russell Martin, now in charge at Southampton, previously saying, via The Scottish Sun that O’Riley is a player who “can do pretty much everything”
“Physically, he’s fantastic, He was a pressing machine, scored a few goals, got some assists and could play deeper or higher.
“He played higher up for us most of the time because that was his preference. He ended up deeper this season but still got goals. He can do pretty much everything. He has good vision, he’s a good athlete and is an extremely articulate boy.
“He’s one of the most intelligent footballers I’ve ever worked with.”
Sponsored by Nike and valued at a career-high €9m by Transfermarkt, O’Riley has been on the books in Glasgow for over 18 months and has made 76 appearances, helping the Hoops to a domestic treble last season.
He appears to have caught the eye in Yorkshire, and by the looks of things, a move could be one to keep an eye on, and it’ll be interesting to see if Leeds return with an improved offer in the coming hours.
