Leicester City, who won promotion from the Championship last season are targeting SPFL star Matt O’Riley from Celtic, but face competition from La Liga side Athletico Madrid. 

New Foxes boss Steve Cooper is keen to secure a replacement for the departing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who has joined former boss Enzo Maresca at Chelsea. O’Riley has been identified as the ideal replacement, however the £50million price tag could be a stumbling block.

The high price has already deterred Brighton and Hove Albion and fellow promotion winners Southampton from making a move for the former MK Dons man. This would mean that a deal for O’Riley would potentially cost more than the fee received for Dewsbury-Hall, according to Alan Nixon (paywall). 

Whilst the English clubs are put off by the price, it could open the opportunity for Spanish giants Athletic Madrid to secure a target that they have a long-term admiration for. However, it is unknown if they would be willing to act on their interest this summer.

Matt O’Riley began his career with Fulham featuring as part of their youth team, before turning down a deal in 2020. He trained with League One MK Dons for six months as a free agent before signing a contract with them in the January of 2021. He impressed, picking up the EFL Young Player of the Month in November of the same year and went on to make 54 appearances, scoring 10 goals and assisting on eight occasions. His impressive performances prompted Celtic to splash out £1.5 million on the youngster in 2022.

He has made 121 appearances, scoring 27 times and assisting 34 as he helped his side to lift, three Scottish Titles, two Scottish Cups and one Scottish League Cup in his time there. Celtic currently hold a contract with the player until 2027, meaning they can command a large fee.

An astronomical rise?

The player, despite his accolades is still only 23. He has gone from rejecting a contract at Fulham and dropping into the third tier to fielding interest from giants Athletico Madrid, with a £50 million price tag set in just a matter of years. This demonstrates not only his ability, but his willingness to engage in the right manner as apply himself to better his career.

Celtic know what they have on their hands, O’Riley is more than an asset he is a star of the side and to replace him would be a difficult job. They hold a long contract so can ask for a huge fee. If he does end up moving this summer MK Dons fans may be able to watch a former player in the Premier League, or even the Champions League.