If Barry Ferguson wasn’t worried enough about Celtic‘s finances this morning, he will be sweating by the time he finishes reading this.
The former Rangers man said today that he was worried about Celtic’s ability to spend big if they need to in January and if the club do get what he thinks Matt O’Riley is worth, then he will be even more concerned.
Because Ferguson has placed a £15m valuation on O’Riley. Speaking about how good Celtic’s transfer policy is the 46-year-old said [The Go Radio Football Show], “O’Riley’s the perfect example [of Celtic’s transfer policy working] this season.
“What would you expect for Matt O’Riley really? £12-£15m for him just now?
“He’s worth that. And he’s only 22.”
£12-£15m. Is that accurate? I would suggest that he’s way out here and I’ll explain why.
Barry Ferguson is wrong. Celtic will value Matt O’Riley at more than £15m
Look at it. Celtic knocked back a bid of £10m from Leeds United in the summer. This was before Brendan Rodgers worked his magic on him.
Since that bid, O’Riley has signed a new long-term contract at Celtic, is scoring freely in the SPFL and is bossing the Champions League.
Oh, he also has Denmark and Norway fighting over him and is on the cusp of being capped by the Danes this season as well. And it seems that Ange Postecoglou also wants to sign the 22-year-old for £30m.
So whilst I appreciate that Ferguson is an admirer of the Celtic midfielder, his valuation of O’Riley falls way short of what Celtic will expect, no demand, for their star player.
Thankfully, he’s shown no desire to leave the club. In fact, O’Riley seems happier at Celtic now than he’s ever been.
Brendan Rodgers will not want to lose his star man and the Celtic supporters will be keen to see him stay on for at least another season and help the club make their mark in Europe.
In other news, ‘That worries me’: Barry Ferguson says he’s concerned at what could happen at Celtic under Brendan Rodgers