Matt O'Riley, a Danish international on two occasions, leaves Celtic and heads to the Premier League.
Brighton announced on Monday the signing of Matt O’Riley, a talented Danish international midfielder who has made a name for himself in European football.
O’Riley, who departs from Celtic, joins Brighton and the Premier League in a deal valued at 35 million euros, reflecting the club’s ambition to strengthen its squad with promising talent. This move represents a significant step in O’Riley's career as he returns to England, where he began his football journey.
The 23-year-old midfielder, who has earned two caps for Denmark, signed a contract with Brighton that runs until 2029. His return to England marks a homecoming of sorts; O’Riley started his career in the youth academy at Fulham, where he honed his skills and developed into a promising young player. After leaving Fulham, he joined MK Dons, where he continued to impress with his vision, passing ability, and knack for scoring crucial goals from midfield.
O’Riley’s impressive performances caught the attention of Celtic, and he joined the Scottish giants in 2021. Over three seasons with Celtic, O’Riley established himself as a key player for the team. In the 2023/24 season alone, he scored 19 goals and provided 17 assists in 49 appearances, showcasing his ability to contribute significantly both in terms of scoring and creating opportunities for his teammates. His performances were instrumental in helping Celtic secure the Scottish Premiership title, as well as competing in European competitions.
At Brighton, O’Riley will be expected to bring his dynamic style of play to the Premier League, where his ability to control the tempo of the game and his creative flair will be valuable assets to the “Seagulls.” Brighton, known for their attractive style of football and commitment to developing young talent, see O’Riley as a key component of their midfield for years to come. His signing is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the squad as they aim to compete more effectively in the Premier League and potentially challenge for European qualification.
Brighton’s manager expressed his excitement about O’Riley’s arrival, highlighting the player’s versatility and his potential to make an immediate impact. “Matt is a fantastic addition to our squad. He has shown at Celtic and on the international stage that he can play at a high level, and we believe he has all the qualities to succeed in the Premier League,” the manager said. “We are looking forward to seeing him in action and helping him to continue his development here at Brighton.”
For O’Riley, this move to Brighton represents a new challenge and an opportunity to prove himself in one of the world’s most competitive leagues. Speaking about his transfer, O’Riley expressed his gratitude to Celtic for the opportunities he received and his excitement about returning to England. “I have had an amazing time at Celtic, and I will always be grateful for the support from the fans and everyone at the club,” he said. “Joining Brighton is a fantastic opportunity for me to play in the Premier League, and I can’t wait to get started and give my all for the team.”
With the Premier League season already underway, O’Riley will be eager to settle into his new surroundings and make an immediate impact. His signing is a statement of intent from Brighton, demonstrating their commitment to building a competitive squad capable of challenging the established order in English football. As O’Riley prepares to take this next step in his career, Brighton fans will be hoping he can replicate the form that made him a star at Celtic and help the club achieve their ambitions in the seasons to come.
