Amina UmarWest Ham United have held talks with Celtic over the potential signing of midfielder Matt O’Riley, according to reports. The Hammers are one of several clubs interested in the 23-year-old, who has impressed in the Scottish Premiership and attracted attention from across the Premier League and Europe.
Celtic are reportedly seeking a club-record sale of £30million to let O’Riley go, surpassing the £25m fee they received for Jota last summer.
Southampton are currently closest to meeting this valuation, but West Ham and other clubs, including Fulham, Everton, Brentford, Atletico Madrid, Monaco, Atalanta, and Lyon, are also in the running.O’Riley has been a key player for Celtic, scoring 19 goals and providing 18 assists from central midfield across all competitions last season. His form has led to widespread interest, and West Ham are keen to add him to their squad. However, the Hammers may be hesitant to meet Celtic’s £30m valuation, given their other transfer priorities.West Ham’s midfield is one of the more well-stocked areas of their squad, but the departure of David Moyes and the arrival of Julen Lopetegui may lead to changes.
Tomas Soucek, a favourite of Moyes, may be at risk, while Edson Alvarez, signed from Ajax last summer, has been linked with a Manchester United exit.O’Riley’s impressive campaign has made him a hot property, and Celtic may be able to hold out for a maximum fee this summer. West Ham’s technical director, Tim Steidten, has indicated that there is money to spend, but with other transfer priorities, including strikers, attackers, and defenders, the Hammers may not be willing to meet Celtic’s valuation.The potential signing of O’Riley would be a significant coup for West Ham, given his age, talent, and versatility.
However, the Hammers must weigh up their options and decide whether to push for a deal or pursue other targets. With the transfer window in full swing, West Ham fans will be watching with interest to see how the club’s transfer plans unfold.
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