Brighton to announce the signing of highly rated midfielder
By Tom Vinall
According to Fabrizio Romano, Brighton are set to announce the signing of highly rated midfielder Matt O'Riley from Scottish giants Celtic.
Fabrizio reports the deal as a £25m fixed fee, which could raise to a £30m package in the end, making it a record sale by a side playing in the Scottish Premier League.
O'Riley has been incredible for Celtic over the last two and a half years, joining from then League One side Milton Keynes Dons in January of 2022. In the league last season, he put up 18 goals and 13 assists from a central midfield role (SofaScore).
Fear not about the step up in quality. The midfielder had three assists in six Champions League last season, whilst putting up consistent performances in general. He was awarded the UEFA man of the match award after their 2-2 draw with Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.
Despite his clear quality and consistent level in his career so far, the Danish international is still only 23-years old, and has lots of room to grow and develop even more. Brighton, under the stewardship of the promising Fabian Hurzeler, feels like the best place for his immediate development right now.
O'Riley was harshly snubbed for Denmark's 2024 European Championship squad, and whilst Denmark have had a change of manager in any case, it is clear a move to a top five league is best for him if he is to get recognized on the international stage.
Brighton have had a very busy summer, moving to bring in the likes of Yankuba Minteh from Newcastle United, Georginio Rutter from Leeds United, and Mats Wieffer from Feyenoord, among others. O'Riley joins a very ambitious project that will be looking to push for European spots again.
Their 24/25 season got off to the perfect start with an emphatic win against Everton at Goodison Park, condemning their hosts to their first defeat at home since the 2nd of March, ending a streak of 5 consecutive home wins.
A very exciting transfer, and a player who will no doubt take to the Premier League like a duck to water.
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