West Ham United is reportedly considering a major move to acquire a crucial Celtic player during the January transfer window.
The Celtic standout has made a significant impact in this season’s Champions League, and West Ham appears to have firmly set their sights on securing his services ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
According to reports from TEAMtalk, West Ham is actively pursuing Hoops midfielder Matt O’Riley this winter, although they may face competition from the likes of Newcastle United and Leicester City in the race for his signature.
West Ham manager David Moyes has been monitoring the Celtic talent for a considerable period, and it has been suggested that Celtic will command a fee in the region of £25 million for the 23-year-old.
Moyes is evidently seeking to bolster competition and depth in the central midfield area during the winter transfer period.
TEAMtalk indicates that West Ham is keeping a close watch on the Hoops midfielder, with just under two weeks left before the winter transfer window opens.
Hailing from Hounslow, O’Riley began his youth career at Fulham before moving to MK Dons in 2021 and eventually securing a move to Celtic in January 2022.
The 23-year-old has proven to be a significant asset for the Hoops, tallying nine goals and eight assists in 24 games for Brendan Rodgers’ side this season (per Transfermarkt) – an impressive record for a midfielder.
Having achieved three assists in six Champions League fixtures this season, it’s evident that O’Riley has the ability to perform at the highest level.
Primarily a central midfielder, O’Riley is versatile enough to operate in a deep-lying role or as a number 10 if required. His technical prowess makes him well-suited to the demanding and competitive nature of the Premier League.
This degree of flexibility is undoubtedly appealing to Moyes, especially given O’Riley’s £25 million valuation. Additionally, his strong work ethic aligns with the requirements for players in Moyes’ team.
Should West Ham secure the signing of Matt O’Riley from Celtic for £25 million in the January transfer window, it could be seen as a highly valuable addition for the club.