Russell Martin hopes that Southampton have the edge over their competitors in their efforts to secure a marquee signing this summer.
Southampton have had a decent pre-season so far, with Russell Martin overseeing four wins from five pre-season games.
The only blip in the Saints’ Premier League preparations was the 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Championship side Oxford United on Wednesday night.
Martin has had the task of getting his players ready to compete in the top flight alongside integrating the eight summer arrivals; of which striker Ben Brereton Diaz is the latest.
Having focused on the defence at the start of the window, the attack is now the priority and this has only been expedited by the injury to Kamaldeen Sulemana.
One player Southampton are desperate to sign for the new season is Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley and Martin believes one factor could hold the key to a St Mary’s move.
Russell Martin relying on Matt O’Riley relationship to secure Southampton arrival
Southampton have held interest in O’Riley all summer and have made their desires known with a bid for the Denmark international.
Celtic rejected the offer of £14 million plus a number of add-ons, aware that they are in a strong position due to the interest of a number of clubs in their midfielder.
Now, according to journalist Alan Nixon via his Patreon, Martin is “counting on his relationship with Celtic star Matt O’Riley winning the massive race for his signature.”
Nixon goes on to say: “Martin and O’Riley are close from their time together at MK Dons and that may count as the auction heads for a conclusion.
“Goalscoring midfielder O’Riley has been chased by Italian side Atalanta but Premier League football may appeal to him more.”
The 23-year-old will not come cheap, though, as Nixon confirms: “Saints will have to go well over £20 million and include extras to persuade Celtic to sell but the player will also have a big input on the decision.
“Brighton have been long term admirers and Chelsea even have O’Riley on their wanted list as a potential Conor Gallagher replacement. Crystal Palace are also watching the auction and may join.”
Nixon also claims that O’Riley wants to go to a club where he will be ‘central’ and this would certainly be the case at Southampton.
Matt O’Riley would give Southampton survival chances huge boost
Given O’Riley scored 19 goals and provided 18 assists in al completions for the Scottish champions last season, it is no surprise he is attracting the interest of so many clubs.
Martin managed O’Riley in his first job in the dugout at MK Dons but left for Swansea City before the player was sold to Celtic for just £1.5 million in January 2022.
He has been a revelation north of the border and was labelled ‘phenomenal’ by Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers as he won the club’s Player of the Season award this campaign.
Rodgers said: “He has been absolutely phenomenal really in his consistency. I think if we lacked anything as a team, it was probably that.
“But from an individual perspective his goal return… I think someone said he had scored his first goal [of last season] in January of last year.
“So to look at his numbers now, it’s huge testament to himself because the work he puts in, the focus he puts in every single day at training to improve and be better, that’s clearly been rewarded by his team-mates and everyone else. It’s very well deserved.”
If ever there was a player for Martin to utilise his relationship with to sign for Southampton, it looks like O’Riley should be that man.