As the winter transfer window comes up in January, Roberto De Zerbi is starting to think about players to improve Brighton’s lineup, especially with the leaving possibilities.
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is well known for developing young stars and helping the Seagulls to improve every season. The 2023/24 season is even more special, not only for the great start at the Premier League but with even bigger challenges at the Europa League. This leaves the winter transfer window as an option to improve the squad, especially with the injuries and leaving possibilities.
Brighton set sights on signing Matt O’Riley
According to Football Insider, Brighton is keeping an eye on Matt O’Riley, the 22-year-old midfielder from Celtic. The impressions of the Danish player had been nothing but great, especially after two assists at the two last Champions League games against Lazio and Atlético Madrid. Any deal may prove to be a difficult one to negotiate because O’Riley’s contract doesn’t come to an end until 2027, and Celtic reportedly see him as their prized asset.
Talking about numbers, this season, he scored six times and gave four assists in 14 games with Celtic. Talking about the National team, he got his first call-up for the senior team earlier this month. According to Pete Kjaer, pundit at the Danish broadcaster TV3 and former Aberdeen goalkeeper, O’Riley’s beginning could be challenging at first, but he believes the young star’s time will come. “I think in a few games’ time or the next friendly, he’ll be in there. I’ve seen O’Riley play; he’s a top player. I know the national coach also thinks he’s great. He spoke about him before the 2022 World Cup, so he’s been following him”, he said to Record Sport.
"“He’s doing very well at Celtic and he’s still a young guy who is improving all the time. He has a lot of qualities that I know Denmark will want to use in the future. Playing in the Champions League will also undoubtedly help him, in terms of a call-up”, affirmed the pundit."
After seemingly attracting the interest of Brighton, it looks like O’Riley is set to have an important decision to make in the near future. He could either stay in Celtic, where he is already building a successful career, or he could choose the Seagulls and improve even more on De Zerbi’s hand.