After days of speculation Brighton and Hove Albion officially announced the signing of Matt O’Riley today. The Premier League club shared to have signed the midfielder from Celtic for an undisclosed fee.
The 23-year-old has signed a 5-year deal at The AMEX, which binds the London born Danish international to the Premier League club till June, 2029.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler outlined the qualities of his new pupil. “He plays a very specialist position; he is very good at occupying and attacking the right space. He likes making deep runs, and knows when to attack at the right time.
“He enjoys getting forward and attacking the opponent’s penalty area, but he also has a good defensive instinct. That balance makes him special. He is a great character, and has a good ambition to succeed and that’s something which is very important for us.”
Yesterday Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers already hinted at the imminent move after their away win against St Mirren (0-3). “Matt, brilliant player, a wonderful player for this club. I really had a great pleasure and privilege in working with him this past season or so. And seeing that development, he’s moved on. Fantastic for him. There’s an opportunity now for other players to come in and play for this great club.”
O’Riley made more than 100 appearances for Celtic over the past two and a half seasons, and scored 27 goals. With the Glaswegians the midfielder won the Scottish Premiership three times, the Scottish Cup two times and the Scottish League Cup once. In 2023 he was voted Celtic’s Player of the Season and the 2023/2024 season Players’ Player and Young Player of the Season. In November 2023 O’Riley made his official debut for the Denmark national team, reaching two caps for his country to date.
Brighton has been busy on the transfer market, with Matt O’Riley being the 8th signing of the summer for the Premier League side.
