Southampton are days away from starting pre-season ahead of their return to the Premier League and Russell Martin will be keen to make additions early in the summer.
Martin’s philosophy is very particular and generally takes time for players to get to grips with, so the earlier any potential signings arrive the better as far as Southampton are concerned.
With Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ loan made permanent due to promotion, the Saints have already added 36-year-old Adam Lallana to their ranks for free this summer.
Charlie Taylor and Saman Ghoddos both look set to join him in making a move to St Mary’s for no fee, but Southampton are now preparing to make a bid for a player to help take them to the next level.
Southampton ‘ready’ to bid for Celtic’s Matt O’Riley
Southampton’s transfer strategy so far has been clear: sign experienced Premier League players who are out of contract.
It is difficult to argue that this isn’t sensible given the relatively youthful squad and lack of top flight know-how, but fans would have been concerned that this was simply the club shopping in the bargain basement.
However, that does not look to be the case, with the Daily Record reporting that Southampton are now set to test Celtic’s resolve with a bid for one of their star players.
According to the Daily Record, Southampton are ‘ready to make a £20 million summer bid’ for Matt O’Riley.
The bid is also reported to include future add-ons for the attacking midfielder, which likely include a payment if the Saints stay in the Premier League next season.
It has previously been reported that Celtic value the Dane at around £30 million, but the Daily Record claim that Southampton ‘won’t pay over the odds’.
Russell Martin a big fan of Southampton target O’Riley
O’Riley has enjoyed a meteoric rise, having only joined Celtic for £1.5 million in January 2022.
Having refused a contract at Fulham in 2020 as he wanted first-team assurances, O’Riley joined MK Dons as a free agent in January 2021 and it was here that he crossed paths with current Southampton boss Martin.
Martin was in his first managerial role after stepping up from a player in November 2019 to replace the outgoing Paul Tisdale and was full of praise for O’Riley after the youngster secured his Celtic move in 2022.
Martin tried to sign him for Swansea City, but told The Scottish Sun upon his move north of the border: “Physically, he’s fantastic. He was a pressing machine, scored a few goals, got some assists and could play deeper or higher.
“He played higher up for us most of the time because that was his preference. He ended up deeper this season but still got goals.
“He can do pretty much everything. He has good vision, he’s a good athlete and is an extremely articulate boy. He’s one of the most intelligent footballers I’ve ever worked with.”
Martin also predicted his significant increase in value, saying: “He’s one of a number we brought in with no or very little money and sold for massive profit [at MK Dons].
“Celtic have done brilliantly out of it too. His value as an asset and a financial investment makes it a no-brainer. He’ll be worth a lot more in a very short period of time.”
Last season, O’Riley scored 19 and assisted a further 18 to give him and incredible 37 goals contributions in 49 games in all competitions.
With that in mind, it is easy to see why Martin is so keen for a reunion and the lure of the Premier League could see Southampton get their man.
