Liverpool are “well-informed” about a player who registered 31 goal contributions last season, according to an update from journalist Rudy Galetti.
It has been a quiet summer at Anfield to date, with new manager Arne Slot easing into his new surroundings and no signings added to his squad yet.
With the international tournaments over, however, there could now be more focus on transfer business, with fresh faces required for Liverpool in various positions.
A new centre-back is a must, following Joel Matip’s exit at the end of last season, while added depth in midfield and attack would also be welcome.
Taking to X, Galetti reported that Liverpool are eyeing a move for Celtic star Matt O’Riley, who is wanted by a number of clubs in the current transfer window:
?? Matt #ORiley has been included on the lists of some ?? clubs.
?? #Atalanta is the team that moved first for him, but the race for the #Celtic player is still open.
? #Liverpool and #Atleti are well-informed about the situation of the ?? midfielder. ?? @APaglia7 pic.twitter.com/IJV36bcg6s
— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) July 19, 2024
Our thoughts on Liverpool signing O’Riley this summer…
There may be some Liverpool fans who feel that O’Riley may not be at the level required this summer, considering the step up in quality from the Scottish Premiership to the Premier League.
The Dane is an extremely talented footballer, however, and his relentless end product from attacking midfield is highlighted by a tally of 18 goals and 13 assists in the league last season.
Meanwhile, former Reds boss Brendan Rodgers heaped praise on his current Celtic player back in May, saying of him:
“He has been absolutely phenomenal really in his consistency. I think if we lacked anything as a team, it was probably that. But from an individual perspective his goal return… I think someone said he had scored his first goal [of last season] in January of last year. So to look at his numbers now, it’s huge testament to himself because the work he puts in, the focus he puts in every single day at training to improve and be better, that’s clearly been rewarded by his team-mates and everyone else. It’s very well deserved.”
O’Riley is also still only 23 years of age, so there should be plenty more to come, and if the likes of Slot, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes feel he is good enough to shine for Liverpool, they need to be trusted.
That being said, there would be a risk element in signing the two-cap Denmark international, given the aforementioned jump in class, not to mention the fact that Celtic will likely demand big money.
