Brighton Eyes Celtic Star O’Riley in Big Money Move | OneFootball

Celtic’s Midfield Maestro Matt O’Riley: Premier League Bound?

Exploring O’Riley’s Impact at Celtic

Matt O’Riley, Celtic’s midfield dynamo, has been a fixture in the Scottish media all summer, as speculation swirls about his future following a triumphant season. The elegant midfielder, pivotal in securing both the league title and the Scottish Cup, has seen his stock rise considerably.

Despite rejecting an initial approach from Atletico Madrid in January, interest has not waned. This summer, Atalanta and Brighton & Hove Albion have emerged as the frontrunners to secure the services of the London-born Denmark international.

From Fulham to Celtic Stardom

O’Riley’s journey began in the youth ranks of Fulham, making his first-team debut at just 16. However, limited opportunities saw him exit to MK Dons, where he found his stride, netting 10 goals in 54 appearances. His impressive performances caught Celtic’s eye, prompting a £1.5 million move in January 2022. Eligible to represent Denmark through his mother, O’Riley quickly rose through the ranks, earning accolades and international caps with the Denmark Under-21s.

Potential Departure: What Would It Mean for Celtic?

Since his arrival at Celtic, O’Riley has been nothing short of sensational, leading the Scottish Premiership in assists and ranking third for combined goals and assists. His influence extends beyond mere statistics, having formed a formidable midfield trio with Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate, crucial to Celtic’s scintillating form under manager Brendan Rodgers. Rodgers, praising the dynamic midfield, emphasised, “It’s never about one player, it’s always about the three.”

Photo: IMAGO

The prospect of losing O’Riley is daunting. Rodgers has expressed reluctance to sell, acknowledging the need to bolster the squad further, especially with Champions League ambitions. “If he was to go, we’d need two more,” Rodgers stated, highlighting the challenge of replacing O’Riley’s unique contributions.

Brighton’s Interest: A New Chapter for O’Riley?

Brighton’s pursuit of O’Riley comes at a time when they are looking to rejuvenate their midfield, having seen key players depart. Under the guidance of young head coach Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton are shaping a squad capable of competing at the highest level without the allure of European football. O’Riley’s potential arrival could signal a shift towards a younger, more dynamic midfield setup, possibly paving the way for departures of other midfield talents.