Liverpool are actively scouting Celtic star Matt O’Riley

According to Rudy Galetti via X, Liverpool are actively keeping tabs on Celtic star Matt O’Riley in the ongoing summer transfer window.

The Danish star is attracting interest from several sides across Europe thanks to his standout performances in the SPL. A return of 13 goals and 11 assists in 32 games helped the Hoops to yet another league title ahead of arch-rivals Rangers. A dominant presence in the middle of the park, the 23-year-old’s stock continues to rise.

It represents a monumental rise for a player who was released by Fulham in 2020. He spent half a year as a free agent before signing on for MK Dons in 2021. It proved to be an inspired decision as it paved the way for his resurgence.

A central midfielder, O’Riley can function further upfield if needed and also as a defensive midfielder as required. This bodes well for Liverpool should he sign on. The Reds often expect their players to don different hats and versatility certainly is a must-have to make it at Anfield.

The midfielder has already convinced one former Liverpool man, Brendan Rodgers of his potential. The Irishman will be well aware of O’Riley’s talents having managed him at Celtic and believes the 23-year-old is someone who steps up and makes himself count.

“He is a wonderful footballer and he is ambitious and he wants to be better and improve.”

As things stand, Atalanta have already made their move to land the player. This is curious as the Reds have been linked with La Dea star Ederson. Given that O’Riley also plays a similar role, it remains to be seen if the Italians will push hard to sign the Dane should Ederson stay put. Either way, the fortunes of Atalanta and Liverpool regarding midfielders this summer could be linked.

O’Riley is not just an exciting young prospect but ticks another important box for Liverpool- being homegrown. Born in Hounslow in London, he spent his youth development years at Fulham and even represented the Three Lions at the youth level.

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With the major international tournaments of the summer coming to an end and pre-season kicking off with the game against Preston North End, we can expect the transfer activity to also pick up. Whether the pursuit for O’Riley will gather pace remains to be seen.