Sunderland Eye Stunning Move to Hijack Juventus’ Pursuit of Matt O’Riley After Fresh Talks
Sunderland are reportedly considering an ambitious late swoop to sign Celtic’s midfield star Matt O’Riley, potentially disrupting Juventus’ ongoing efforts to secure his signature.
The 23-year-old has been the subject of strong interest from the Italian giants throughout the summer transfer window. Juventus are believed to have been in regular contact with Celtic over a potential deal, viewing O’Riley as a valuable addition to bolster their midfield creativity and control. However, recent developments suggest the race for his services may not be as straightforward as first thought.
According to sources close to the negotiations, Sunderland have entered the conversation after holding fresh talks regarding O’Riley’s availability. The Championship club are said to be exploring whether a deal could be structured that would tempt the Scottish Premiership champions into selling. While the Black Cats lack Juventus’ European prestige, they can offer O’Riley the opportunity to be a central figure in their promotion push to the Premier League.
Manager Régis Le Bris is reportedly keen to inject more attacking quality and vision into his side’s midfield before the transfer deadline, and O’Riley fits that profile perfectly. The Dane-born playmaker enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, becoming one of Celtic’s standout performers with his passing range, intelligence on the ball, and knack for creating chances. His performances have not only attracted interest from Juventus but also from several other European clubs, further heightening the sense of competition.
While Sunderland’s move might seem bold given the scale of Juventus’ interest, sources suggest that the Championship club are confident they can present a compelling offer. This could involve a record-breaking fee for the Wearside outfit, alongside assurances of O’Riley’s importance in their long-term plans.
For Celtic, the situation represents a delicate balancing act. They are understood to be reluctant to part ways with such a key player this late in the window, especially with the domestic season well underway and Champions League fixtures on the horizon. However, a significant bid could force the Scottish champions to reassess their stance.
With the transfer window ticking down, O’Riley’s future remains uncertain. Juventus still lead the chase in terms of reputation and resources, but Sunderland’s sudden intervention adds an unexpected twist. If the Black Cats can persuade both Celtic and the player, this could become one of the most surprising deals of the summer.