What O’Riley departure means for Celtic

far from a big-name signing, but Celtic had a winner from the first minute.

Even though he gave up a penalty and was substituted due to cramps during his Celtic 2-1 victory over Hearts, he still

left an impression on the crowd with his performance, and he only became better after that.

With 29 assists, the 23-year-old has more than any other player in the Scottish Premiership since making his league

debut in 2022. Nine more than Blair Spittal on 20 and six more than James Tavernier on 23.

O’Riley is the only non-striker among the top six goal scorers from the Scottish top division over the last 2.5 years,

aside from Tavernier.

With 25 goals, he is just two goals behind Kevin van Veen and five ahead of Aberdeen’s Duk.

The Danish international demonstrated his all-around threat by creating 217 chances in addition to averaging just

under 300 minutes per goal in the league for Celtic.

Is O’Riley’s heir inside the structure already?

Following the announcement of Paulo Bernardo’s permanent contract, it was reasonable to believe that he would

replace O’Riley in the midfield.

The 22-year-old has the ability to secure a starting position in O’Riley’s absence with a little more experience.

Reo Hatate, who is back to full fitness, has also contributed significantly to Celtic’s recent victories and has been

greatly missed when he was injured.

It’s clear that Callum McGregor, the captain, and the Japan international will continue to start, but after that, there

aren’t many options in midfield outside from Bernardo.

In Glasgow, Odin Thiago Holm has yet to truly establish himself, and James McCarthy hasn’t played for the first

team since October 2022.

O’Riley’s exit would undoubtedly leave a huge hole in the Celtic midfield, but will they have enough time to fill it? It

is possible that they will enter the transfer market soon.