Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers spoke after the match against Hibernian about the future of Matt O’Riley at the club.
With Celtic rejecting four bids from Atalanta, including the latest of £20 million, the Danish playmaker has also been linked with moves to English Premier League sides Brighton and Southampton.
However, Rodgers was quick to shift the focus away from speculation about whether O’Riley would depart this summer.
He said: (BBC Scotland), “I don’t think we can replace like-for-like.
“If he did leave, to get someone like that straight away would be very difficult.
“If he did go, it would be for big money and obviously we won’t be spending that on one player.
“I’m not overthinking it. He’s a gifted player that I love working with. His attitude is first class and he knows I trust him 100 per cent.”
The Irishman’s comments are very telling of where Celtic stand in the current transfer market.
O’Riley is undoubtedly an irreplaceable player, but Rodgers’ remarks leave open to interpretation of how the club might approach replacing him, whether with a ready-made replacement in the £5 to £7 million range or a project player for a minimal fee.
Celtic supporters have grown frustrated with the club’s occasional reluctance to progress in European football by signing higher-quality players.
If O’Riley does depart, it will be crucial for the Hoops to support Rodgers in the market if they want to make clear progress in the Champions League under the new structure.
