Ex-Celtic star Matt O’Riley knows one thing is for certain as Marseille future addressed

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Matt O’Riley hasn’t ruled out staying with Marseille beyond next summer.

The former Celtic star joined the Ligue 1 side on loan during the previous transfer window from Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion.

O’Riley was allowed to leave the Seagulls temporarily after an indifferent debut season that saw him experience more bad than good, especially as a result of injuries.

Celtic sold O’Riley to Brighton in 2024 for a record £26m that could rise to around £30m if performance add-ons are met.

But his Brighton tenure could potentially come to an end next year if Marseille are willing to shell out for the Danish midfielder.

• READ MORE: Celtic transfer target finally scores first goal since failed summer move away

O’Riley is not ruling out permanent Marseille stay

O’Riley has now touched on next summer and while he understands he will return to Brighton following the end of his Marseille loan, he hasn’t ruled out moving to France permanently.

As quoted by the Daily Record, O’Riley said: “It’s a really good experience for me to play for Marseille. I just enjoy it every day and I try not to think too much ahead.

“I know I’m going back to Brighton, but you never know what happens in football. We’ll worry about it when it comes.

“Right now, I am only thinking about a match against Belarus that can help us get closer to the World Cup. I want to be focused on our football. That’s the most important thing in my opinion.

“I was well aware that Marseille would be a good experience for me. The club has many passionate fans and plays a good style of football that suits me perfectly. And I’ve also got a manager who trusts me. That helps a lot as a player.”

O’Riley scored and assisted against Metz

O’Riley had made five appearances for Marseille this season without scoring or assisting until the weekend.

Marseille faced Metz away from home and secured a comfortable 3-0 victory that produced two goal involvements from the former Celtic man.

He earned an 8.9 match rating on FotMob in what was undoubtedly his best performance in a Marseille shirt thus far.

Marseille have made a brilliant start to the Ligue 1 season, currently sitting in 2nd and just a point off leaders and champions PSG.