West Ham United told to wait until next summer to sign wantaway Celtic player Matt O’Riley
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie believes Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley needs another year at his current club before a move to the Premier League.
The pundit was discussing a move to the London Stadium for the player after news emerged regarding a potential Celtic exit for O’Riley this summer.
The Scottish outfit are expecting bids for the midfield ace, who is being courted by English Premier League and Championship clubs and is “open to a move”, according to Football Insider (8 April).
Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “He’s a good player. I don’t know if he’s quick enough for the Premier League, but it depends on what role David Moyes wants him to play.
“I think he is decent, he’s playing in front of huge crowds every week, so that’s not going to be a problem.
“You don’t want to be someone who is ready to play and one of the first options at Celtic, then go somewhere else where you’re not the first option. You don’t want to go to West Ham and be unsure whether you’re going to play or not.
“Do I think O’Riley could make it? Yes, but I would give him another year at Celtic, and then he’ll be battle-hardened to go down to England.”
Denmark Under-21 international O’Riley, who joined Celtic from MK Dons in 2022, made 52 appearances in all competitions last season for the Scottish club.
David Moyes is undoubtedly in the market for a new midfielder following Declan Rice’s £105million exit to Arsenal. So far, however, the Hammers have been left frustrated in their hopes of signing a replacement.
The likes of Fulham’s Joao Palhinha and Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse have been linked, but neither are close to joining the club.
In other West Ham news, Carlton Cole has dismissed rumours regarding a Hammers exit for one player live on talkSPORT.