Celtic ‘relaxed’ about Matt O’Riley, says manager Brendan Rodgers

Celtic are “relaxed” about Matt O’Riley’s situation, says manager Brendan Rodgers but admits “every player has a value”.

The Denmark midfielder, 23, has been heavily linked with Atalanta, among others, with bids by the Serie A club reportedly rejected.

Former Fulham and MK Dons player O’Riley has scored 27 goals in 119 Celtic appearances since joining under Rodgers’ predecessor Ange Postecoglou in January 2022.

“There’s no update, fairly relaxed,” Rodgers told a news conference before Tuesday’s pre-season friendly with Manchester City in North Carolina.

“He knows the privilege it is to play for Celtic. Celtic is a club where you can move on but you don’t have to and it’s a very difficult club to move on from.

“Naturally, with the wages that are on offer for players, that makes it a real challenge for Celtic to compete at that level. He knows what he has here.

“We’re all quite relaxed with it. Every player has a value, we know that.”

O’Riley scored twice in Celtic’s 4-0 win over DC United in Washington DC at the weekend and Celtic will also play Chelsea while in the United States.

“You see him in the game the other night, he’s working very well, very focused,” Rodgers said.

“Naturally, when you’re a really a good player, especially a young player, who’s committed and as professional as he is then he’s going to acquire attention.

“He’s working so well and there’s nothing really to report on him.”