Leeds United must accept defeat in pursuit of Matt O’Riley after Celtic update
Leeds United missed out on signing Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley in the summer window and it appears that their hopes of a fresh move in the new year are over.
The Whites had a £10million offer for O’Riley turned down by Celtic [Scottish Daily Mail] prior to bringing in Ilia Gruev and Glen Kamara shortly before the window shut.
That was perhaps Leeds’ way of accepting that their big chance of landing the Denmark Under-21 international had gone.
As confirmed by Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers, talks are ongoing with O’Riley over a new deal, which will only see him become a more valuable commodity.
“He knows that I’m investing in him to help him become better,” Rodgers said [Scottish Daily Mail, 29 September].
“He still knows he’s got a bit to improve, and hopefully this part of the season is confirmation for him that I can still improve him as a player and develop him. Certainly, his value will increase in 12 months’ time.”
Leeds certainly cannot be accused of trying to pull a quick one with their summer offer. After all, they were willing to pay an eight-figure sum for the 22-year-old.
Celtic’s swift rejection shows just how highly they rate a player who started his career at Fulham before moving on to MK Dons and then north of the border.
Assuming O’Riley does put pen to paper on fresh terms, it is safe to say Leeds will not consider an improved offer in the January window – not while they are still languishing in the second tier.
It is more likely that a Premier League club will come calling over the next year if the Hounslow native can continue his current form, at which point Celtic will have a decision to make.
The talented central midfielder is going from strength to strength on the basis of his start to this season, but for Leeds it is now a case of ‘what if’ after failing to get a deal over the line last month.
In other Leeds United news, a player was given a stark reality as to where his future lies after events on Thursday [28 September].