“Celtic Hold Firm on O’Riley Price Tag as Hibs Loan Striker Vente Back to the Netherlands”
Celtic have reportedly turned down a fifth offer from Atalanta for midfielder Matt O’Riley. According to Sky Sports, the Serie A club’s latest bid was £21.5 million plus add-ons, but it was rejected, along with previous offers of £14 million, £14.3 million, £15 million, and £20 million.
Atalanta has been the primary suitor for the Denmark international throughout the transfer window, and it’s unclear if they will make a sixth attempt. Brighton has also expressed interest, while Southampton withdrew after their initial £14 million bid was rejected.
Celtic is said to be holding out for a club record-equalling £25 million for O’Riley, who scored 19 goals and provided 18 assists for Brendan Rodgers’ team last season. The 23-year-old is contracted with Celtic until 2027, and the club had previously rejected a £20 million offer from Atletico Madrid in January.
Meanwhile, Hibs have allowed Dutch striker Dylan Vente to return to the Netherlands, joining PEC Zwolle on a season-long loan in an effort to regain his form. The 25-year-old signed with Hibs from Roda JC in 2023 on a three-year contract and scored eight goals last season, including a hat-trick in the opening Premier Sports Cup group-stage match against Elgin.
However, Vente has struggled to replicate the prolific form that saw him score 46 goals in two seasons with Roda before moving to Edinburgh. With Hibs recently adding four new attackers, including Kieron Bowie and Mykola Kuharevich, the club announced on Thursday that Vente would join Eredivisie side Zwolle.
“Dylan is a player I’ve enjoyed working with every day because of his professionalism and desire to improve,” said manager David Gray on the Hibs website. “He has undeniable quality, but at this moment, things just haven’t quite clicked for him. This move gives him a chance to go back home and hopefully play regularly with a smile on his face again. I wish him all the best for the rest of the season.”