Liverpool Eyeing Celtic Midfielder Matt O’Riley: A Comprehensive Look

It is rumour city at the moment and this feels like it falls under that. Liverpool have emerged as surprise suitors for Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley, according to recent reports. With Jurgen Klopp stepping down and Arne Slot taking over the reins at Anfield, Liverpool are looking to bolster their midfield options. Here, we delve into the details surrounding O’Riley’s potential move, his impressive stats, standout performances, and the likelihood of this transfer materialising.

What’s Been Said

According to Teamtalk, Liverpool are among several Premier League clubs interested in Matt O’Riley. The Danish international has attracted attention after a stellar season with Celtic, and the Reds are reportedly “well informed” about developments. The report also highlights interest from other clubs, including West Ham, Everton, Atalanta, and Leicester, with the latter currently leading the chase for O’Riley’s services. A potential transfer fee is expected to exceed the Scottish record of £24m (€29m) paid for Celtic’s former winger, Jota.

Looking at the Key Stats

O’Riley, 23, has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Celtic, showcasing his versatility as a central midfielder. Here are some key stats from his 2023/24 season:

– Appearances:49 (all competitions)
– Goals: 19
– Assists: 18
– Minutes in Premiership: 2815
– Minutes in Champions League: 487
– International Appearances: 2 caps for Denmark

His consistent performances have not only helped Celtic domestically but also caught the eye on the European stage.

One of the standout aspects of O’Riley’s game is his ability to create scoring opportunities. His assists per 90 minutes place him in the 99th percentile among midfielders, reflecting his exceptional playmaking skills. Additionally, his expected assisted goals (xAG) and shot-creating actions are also in the 99th percentile, demonstrating his ability to influence games significantly.

Key percentile stats:
– Assists per 90: 0.56 (99th percentile)
– xAG: 0.43 (99th percentile)
– Shot-creating actions: 4.91 (91st percentile)
– Touches (Attacking Penalty Area): 2.41 (89th percentile)

These statistics, although achieved outside Europe’s top five leagues, underline O’Riley’s potential to make an impact at a higher level.

Likelihood and Fee

Transfermarkt currently values Matt O’Riley at €20m, but given the competitive interest and Celtic’s stance on a Scottish record fee, the actual transfer could exceed £25m. His contract with Celtic runs until May 2027, adding leverage to Celtic’s negotiating position. O’Riley is reportedly earning a modest wage compared to Premier League standards, which could make him an attractive option for Liverpool from a financial standpoint.

Despite his versatility and impressive stats, it’s worth noting that O’Riley is not a specialist in any single midfield role. This might be a potential drawback for Liverpool, who may prefer a more defined skill set for their tactical needs under Arne Slot. Given the competitive market and the financial outlay required, this transfer feels like a potential non-starter.