Following another reported bid from Atalanta, Celtic have now reportedly identified a replacement for Matt O'Riley in a deal that could cost the Glasgow side just £4m this month.
Celtic transfer news
The Bhoys have been stubborn throughout the O'Riley saga, struggling to find their balance as Atalanta are reportedly close to a deal. The Italian's offer of £21.5million plus £2m in add-ons was not enough, with Celtic standing firm on their £25m bid, but it seems only a matter of time before Atalanta match that valuation and land the Dane in a big blow. Scottish Premiership champions.
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It is reported that the Hoops are interested in signing the young midfielder.
With the midfielder edging closer to the exit door, Celtic have at least been busy up front, having recently signed Adam Idah on a permanent deal from Norwich City following an impressive loan spell in the second half of last season.
The Irishman is unlikely to be the end of the Bhoys' business, though, given O'Riley's links and the potential need for a change in attacking midfield.
According to the Daily Mail, Celtic have now identified Alvyn Sanches as a potential replacement for O'Riley this month in a deal worth just £4m. The Lausanne-Sport midfielder is 21 years old and could be bought by all interested parties in Scotland, who can play in the center and on the wing.
If they can get around £25m for O'Riley, before investing just £4m to replace their star man, Celtic could look back on this transfer window as a smart one, should they all plan.
Replacing O'Riley will be no easy task, however, and the pressure will be on Sanchez to hit the ground running.
“Overrated” Sanchez showed a lot of power
Despite seeing his campaign hampered by injury last season, Sanchez has shown enough potential to earn the interest of Celtic. The midfielder finished the season with impressive performances, but there is no doubt that he will have to raise the level of his game if Celtic want him to fill the void that may be left by O'Riley.
|
League stats 23/24 (via FBref) |
Matt O'Riley |
Alvin Sanchez |
|---|---|---|
|
It starts |
37 |
19 |
|
Goals |
18 |
5 |
|
It helps |
13 |
0 |
Previously described as “highly rated” by the Express' Charlie Gordon, the Swiss midfielder will especially need to step up his game after failing to record a single assist in the league last season. On the goals side, however, he has shown his potential with five of his 18 starts for Lausanne.
At just £4m, Sanches is a player Brendan Rodgers could help mold into Scotland's best player, potentially replicating O'Riley's quality in the process. It's an approach that won't be without its risks, given the importance of O'Riley's quality, but Celtic will save themselves a big investment this month.
As the window closes, the Bhoyis are the ones who will watch when the two of them arrive at the exit door.
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