Everton
Everton have enjoyed a surprisingly busy transfer window thus far, even welcoming a new addition earlier today.
Iliman Ndiaye is the club’s third acquisition of the window; he was signed with the assistance of one Everton player in particular. All three should improve the first team.
Tim Iroegbunam brings stability and promise in the midfield, while this Senegal international will provide incredible firepower and versatility up top. Jack Harrison, meanwhile, will provide stability on the wing and, ideally, some additional offensive potential as well.
But this seems to be only the beginning.
Graeme Bailey reveals Everton transfer plans
Journalist Graeme Bailey originally revealed to HITC that Everton was interested in the Celtic midfielder, and when we spoke with him, he extended an exclusive offer to Everton.News.
The original story stated: “West Ham United, Everton, Fulham, and Brentford, four Premier League rivals, have held talks with Denmark international Matt O’Riley; Southampton is £10 million short of the fee Celtic want for him.”
HITC is aware that Celtic needs to pay a sum that would make Matt O’Riley the club’s most expensive export ever in order to cash in on their Player of the Year.
“Talks have been held by Brentford, Everton, and West Ham United.”
Bailey would go on, though, saying that Everton had been fond of him for some time. He is included in the list. Everything is contingent upon Celtic’s asking price. Celtic is considering its options, and the teams interested in him estimate his worth to be closer to £20 million. Their demand is £30 million.
“They find him interesting.”
How good is Celtic’s Matt O’Riley?
The 23-year-old had provided a taste of the glory to come after joining Celtic from MK Dons, where he had apparently failed to make the switch from Fulham’s youth to their first-team structure.
Few, though, probably could have foreseen the controversial exclusion of the Denmark international from their Euro 2024 roster this summer, nor that he would rise to such prominence.
Just last year, Sky Sports described the incredible data that supported an incredible debut season in the top division of football in a very elegant manner.
“In summary, O’Riley is a central midfielder who leads the Scottish Premiership this season [2022–23] in assists (11), big chance creation (14), second-most touches in the opposition box (184), and final-third ball wins (28) more than any other player except for two other players.”
In the next season, he would add another 18 goals and 13 assists, demonstrating his versatility as a deft master who could create, score, and defend.
With 121 senior appearances under his belt for the Bhoys, he seems to be improving all the time.
Putting money into him now and getting him involved in Premier League football as soon as possible will probably just accelerate that already astonishing trend.
