Ahead of the January transfer window, Aston Villa have now been linked with Celtic star, Matt O’Riley amongst a whole host of other teams.
It has been a superb start to the season for Aston Villa but the January transfer window poses an opportunity to add some strength in depth.
The Villans have recruited well under Unai Emery and have risen up through the Premier League as a result.
Following the disappointing draw to Sheffield United, Villa now sit in third place. They are level with second and a point behind Arsenal at the top of the table.
This week has seen transfer links arise but mainly to attacking options. Ben Brereton Diaz has been the most recent player rumoured to be making a move to B6 this winter.
Now it appears that a midfield option is being looked at by Emery and Co. It just so happens the same star is being chased by various different clubs across Europe.
What has been said about Matt O’Riley?
Matt O’Riley is a midfield who has caught the eye for Celtic this season and campaigns gone by. He signed for The Hoops in January 2022 and has gone on to impress during his time in Paradise.
This has been shown by former Aston Villa man, Chris Sutton who had been speaking with Sky Sports Football in November. He has opened up about the Dane and his impact on Scottish football.
On that, he said: “Matt O’Riley, who has probably been the best player in Scotland this season.”
So far this season he has played 18 matches, missing just one game all season in the league. In that time he has accumulated nine goals and five assists, according to FotMob. For a central midfielder, this record is top-class.
As a result of this form, there has been plenty of interest in his signature. The report by Sky Sports said: “Aston Villa and West Ham have been watching him recently, as well as PSV Eindhoven and Atletico Madrid, and all of these clubs have been present for his Champions League appearances.”
It is safe to say that Villa would face stiff competition for his signature were they to step up their interest in the Dane. Considering the quality of opposition for him, there would certainly be a challenge.
Although midfield won’t be the first position that comes to Villa fans’ minds when discussing the January window, O’Riley would be a top signing. Given his ability to score and assist, he could be a useful option in Emery’s wide midfield roles.
