Lausanne Midfield Prodigy Alvyn Sanches Linked with Celtic Move

Celtic have identified Switzerland U21 international Alvyn Sanches as a potential candidate to replace Matt O’Riley, should the Danish midfielder leave the club, according to Mail Sport’s Stephen McGowan.

The 21 year-old, currently at Lausanne, is expected to move on this summer, with Celtic potentially viewing him as a long-term prospect. However, he might not be the immediate answer should O’Riley depart. The club is reportedly seeking a record-breaking fee for O’Riley, with interest from Serie A side Atalanta. The club is believed to be holding out for a fee surpassing the £25 million Arsenal paid for Kieran Tierney.

Sanches, a key player for Lausanne, has shown significant promise but doesn’t feel like he’s at O’Riley’s level currently. Adding to concerns, the young midfielder suffered a serious knee injury in November 2023, which sidelined him for four months. While he could be a solid addition for the future, it would be unfair to anoint him as the man to replace Matt.

If Celtic are indeed interested in Sanches, it’s likely with an eye on developing him over time, rather than relying on him as a direct replacement for O’Riley. Fans will hope that if O’Riley does move on, the club will secure a more experienced and ready-made replacement to fill the void.