Middlesbrough man might have big Celtic regret after £25m summer move confirmed: View | OneFootball

Matt O'Riley was signed by Celtic after Riley McGree rejected a move to Scotland in order to join Middlesbrough.

When Celtic missed out on the signing of Riley McGree in January 2022, they turned their attention to MK Dons midfielder Matt O’Riley.

With the benefit of hindsight, it’s fair to say that things turned out very well indeed for the Scottish champions.

Whilst we don’t know how McGree would have done in Glasgow, he would’ve struggled to match O’Riley, who won three league titles, the Scottish Cup twice and a League Cup.

It wasn’t just the trophies though, as O’Riley wowed the crowd at Celtic Park throughout his time, particularly under Brendan Rodgers, as he scored some wonderful goals and impressed with his technical ability.

Matt O’Riley makes Premier League move

Given his talent, it felt inevitable that O’Riley would leave Celtic this summer, and that proved to be the case, as Brighton snapped up the Denmark international for an initial £25m, which was a record sale for a Scottish club.

Injury has delayed O’Riley’s Premier League bow for the Seagulls, but there is an expectation that he will be a key player for the club in the years to come.

Riley McGree must be thinking back at Celtic rejection

With that in mind, McGree must have wondered what would have happened had he made the move to Celtic.

It should be said that the Australian has adamantly insisted he does not regret turning down the Glasgow giants, but it’s only natural to think of what may have been.

McGree initially justified his decision by stating his desire to play in the Premier League, and the aim was, and remains, reaching the top-flight with Middlesbrough.

But, the reality is that O’Riley has reached that level before McGree due to his performances with Celtic.

Historically, Celtic have proven to be a good option for players who want to get to the Premier League. The likes of Stan Petrov, Virgil van Dijk, Kieran Tierney and Odsonne Edouard are among those who have followed that path before O’Riley.

Of course, we don’t know how McGree would’ve performed with Celtic, but the chance to work under Ange Postecoglou, and then Rodgers, would surely have helped his game.

Playing in the Champions League would raise his profile, and the chance to flourish in an attack-minded team could’ve been just what the ex-Birmingham City man needed.

Riley McGree can still fulfil his Premier League ambition with Middlesbrough

However, it’s not all doom and gloom for McGree, as he is part of a very talented Boro squad, and working under a manager in Michael Carrick, who many believe is destined for the very top.

Boro, without the injured McGree in recent weeks, have enjoyed a decent start to the season, and some shrewd additions towards the end of the window mean the squad is looking in good shape.

The aim for all connected to the Teesside outfit is clear - they will want to win promotion, and there is a hunger among the group to do just that.