Manager Brendan Rodgers has affirmed that Celtic turned down an offer from Atletico Madrid for Matt O’Riley and emphasized that the midfielder will not be transferred during this month.
The Denmark international became a member two years ago in a £1.5 million deal and recently extended his contract in September, securing his stay until 2027.
Throughout the current season, the 23-year-old has demonstrated impressive performance, contributing with 10 goals and an equal number of assists.
“There was [an offer] but Matt is a player we don’t want to lose and he won’t be going anywhere in January,” Rodgers said.
“It’s a great testament to him and what the club can do for a player. He won his first international cap this season and Atletico Madrid are a big club in European football.
“But he is very much part of what we are doing. He has been a joy to work with and I had a good chat with Matt on Thursday morning and he is someone who will be here for us in the second part of the season.”
Atletico Madrid, currently occupying the fourth position in La Liga and trailing surprise leaders Girona by 11 points, have reportedly presented a proposal amounting to £20 million for O’Riley.
Diego Simeone’s squad faced Celtic twice in this season’s Champions League, securing a dominant 6-0 victory in Spain, but settling for a 2-2 draw in Glasgow, a match in which O’Riley showcased his skills.
Despite reports of Atletico’s interest, Rodgers stated last week that he was “unaware of any interest” in O’Riley and reiterated that Celtic had “no intentions of selling” the midfielder they acquired from MK Dons in January 2022.
The Celtic manager emphasized at that time that the midfielder “is genuinely content” at the summit of the Scottish Premiership and is enthusiastic about the prospect of continuous improvement in Glasgow.