Former Celtic legend Andy Walker has expressed uncertainty regarding the impact of Atletico Madrid’s interest on Matt O’Riley’s recent dip in form. The talented 23-year-old midfielder had kicked off the season impressively, drawing attention from the Spanish powerhouse Atletico Madrid.
During the January transfer window, Atletico had expressed interest in securing O’Riley on loan with a view to a permanent transfer in the summer. However, Celtic turned down the offer, leading to speculation about its effect on O’Riley’s performances.
Walker, reflecting on Celtic’s missing players, particularly highlighted the absence of O’Riley’s early-season brilliance alongside the likes of Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate. He pondered whether O’Riley’s form slump was possibly linked to the failed move to Atletico Madrid.
The former Bhoys star raised these concerns on the Go Radio Football Show, noting, “Callum McGregor and [Reo] Hatate. The two of them and the relationship they have. The other one was O’Riley, who was in sparkling form at the start of the season. But his form has dropped off. I don’t know whether his head was turned with the interest from Atletico Madrid.”
O’Riley recently featured for 86 minutes in Celtic’s 3-1 victory over St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership.
