Matt O’Riley has, tonight (Thursday), completed a move to Scottish Premier League side Celtic for an undisclosed fee.
O’Riley’s contract with MK Dons included a release clause which was met by Celtic earlier this week. They have since finalised a deal with the midfielder, ending his impressive 12-month spell at Stadium MK.
Sporting Director Liam Sweeting told mkdons.com: “It is with reluctance that we say goodbye to Matt, who has been a terrific performer for us since joining the Club last January.
“Matt took a gamble by agreeing to come to MK Dons – a move that demonstrates the bravery and character of a player who will undoubtably enjoy a long and successful career at the top.
“We have always been aware of Matt’s desire to return to a higher level which is why there was a release clause in place in the contract he signed with us – one that suited both parties in terms of the opportunity to progress and the financial reward for us, both in the short term and long term.
“That said, from the moment Matt arrived, he has been committed and dedicated to the cause and has certainly helped to leave the Club in a better place than when we arrived. For that, we say thank you and we wish him nothing but success moving forwards - he will always be welcomed back at Stadium MK.”
Sweeting added: “As a Football Club, we believe the way we will progress is to operate a successful trading model and the story of Matt O’Riley highlights that model working at its very best.
“The money received from this transfer will be re-invested into the first-team, to strengthen us in this transfer window as well as transfer windows to come.
“We remain committed to providing Liam Manning with a squad that is capable of building on the successes of the last few months and one that can achieve our aims this season.”
O’Riley moved to Stadium MK in January 2021, after the Dons and Fulham agreed a compensation settlement for the under-23 out-of-contract midfielder.
He went on to play 54 times for the Club and score 10 goals while he departs just one of shy 50 league appearances in an MK Dons shirt.
The Club would like to thank Matt for his contribution over the last 12 months and wish him very success in the future.
