Connect with us
 

Celtic

Celtic line up Daniel Gazdag, Shea Charles and Tanner Tessmann as potential replacements if Matt O’Riley leaves

Celtic are preparing for the potential departure of Denmark international midfielder Matt O’Riley this summer and have identified some players that could replace him, according to Sky Sports.

The likes of Newcastle United and Atletico Madrid have been linked with the 23-year-old, while Atalanta have had three bids rejected by the Hoops so far this summer, with their highest offer being £15 million.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers insists suitors will have to match their valuation of the former MK Dons star before they consider selling him, and the Serie A club could return with an improved bid.

O’Riley could be plying his trade elsewhere by the time the transfer window shuts, and Philadelphia Union star Daniel Gazdag, Southampton’s Shea Charles and Venezia midfielder Tanner Tessmann have all emerged as targets for Celtic should their star player move on.

22-year-old Tessmann is currently at the Olympics with the USA having played a huge role in helping his club secure promotion from Serie B to Serie A at the end of last season.

He weighed in with seven goals and three assists in 42 games in 2023-24, and he has what it takes to help improve the Celtic squad.

Charles also helped Southampton return to the Premier League at the end of his debut campaign with them last term, featuring in 32 games.

The 20-year-old Northern Ireland international will be desperate to prove himself in the English top-flight after not getting the chance at Manchester City, and a move to Celtic may not appeal to him right now.

Replacing O’Riley after a campaign where he bagged 19 goals and 18 assists in 49 games will not be easy for the Parkhead club, but Gazdag could be the perfect man for the job.

The 28-year-old Hungarian international has notched 65 goals and 19 assists in 140 appearances for the MLS club since joining them in May 2021, and Celtic should move for the £10m-rated star should they end up losing their influential midfielder.

More in Celtic