According to Sky Sports, Brighton & Hove Albion and Celtic are in talks over a deal for star midfielder Matt O’Riley.
The 23-year-old is a player who the Seagulls have long been interested in, and they have serious ambitions to sign him before other bidders.
O’Riley had a fantastic 2023–24 season, playing a key role in the Bhoys’ victory as they finished first in the Scottish Premiership with 18 goals and 13 assists in 37 league games. In 49 games across all competitions, he contributed 37 goals.
The Danish international got off to a great start in 2024–25, contributing to the 4-0 victory over Kilmarnock. Several elite teams, including Brighton, Chelsea, and Atalanta, the winners of the Europa League, have expressed interest in signing him due to his outstanding performances.
The most recent team to express interest in him is Chelsea, who supposedly want to use him to replace Conor Gallagher, who has finally agreed to move to Atletico Madrid.
It’s interesting to note that in January, Atletico Madrid made approaches to Celtic for O’Riley as well, but a transfer never happened. This summer, Los Colchoneros resorted to Gallagher, and they are getting close to a £35 million deal.
