Matt O’Riley in Celtic transfer exit hint as he admits he’s ‘ready’ for next step

MATT O’RILEY’s impressive form since joining Celtic in January 2022 has seen him continually linked with a major transfer.

And the Hoops star has admitted he feels ready to take the next step.

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O’Riley, 22, was signed by Ange Postecoglou from MK Dons for £1.5million almost two years ago.

Brought in from England’s third division, he quickly developed into an influential Celtic star.

His form means he is regularly linked with clubs in the South and Europe.

Leeds United showed their best in the just-ended summer window, but the Hoops got nothing from their £10 million offer, which was quickly booted out.

To fend off interest, Celtic signed O’Riley to a new record deal in September, allowing him to put pen to paper on a contract until 2027.

His form this season has actually improved compared to the heights of the previous season, with O’Riley finding himself on the scoresheet and has already scored six goals in the Premiership this season.

But with that form will undoubtedly come continued transfer interest, and O’Riley himself has suggested he could be open to a move should the opportunity arise.

O’Riley, who is currently with Denmark, was asked by a Danish media Tipsbladet whether he would be ready to take the next step.

He said: “I played against a lot of good teams in the Champions League and I think I’m ready (to take the next step).

“But I already play for a good team. It’s hard to say what will happen.”

O’Riley has not yet made his senior debut for Denmark, although there were many fans in the country campaigning for his selection.

After he was called up late and left off the bench in the qualifier against San Marino last month, he was once again left out of the squad by coach Kasper Hjulmand.

However, he was included in the squad on Friday and has another chance of winning his first cap in the games against Slovenia and Northern Ireland.

For O’Riley there is also a personal reason why he wants to make his Denmark debut.

He revealed that he wants his elderly grandmother Lis, 85, who lives in Denmark, to see him play for his country.

O’Riley revealed Lis will be too unwell to take part in Friday’s game in Copenhagen, adding: “I try not to think about it too much, but my 85-year-old grandmother really enjoys reading about it and her. “I watch every game I play for Celtic.

“She was at the stadium but she watches most of the games on TV because she lives in Horsens. She’s sick enough – she’s on Twitter every day, scrolling, scrolling, scrolling.”

“She doesn’t have much time left, so it would be great if I make my debut while she’s still alive. I hope I get to play while she can still see it.”

Denmark are close to qualifying for Euro 2024 and could secure their place next week.

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