Matt O’Riley really proved what he can offer for Brighton & Hove Albion against Liverpool on Monday night.
Celtic’s most expensive transfer export, O’Riley has endured a mixed debut season at the Seagulls with ankle and knee injuries disrupting his progress.
He’s only started 11 Premier League games this campaign, but he’s been enjoying his football under manager Fabian Hurzeler more recently.
O’Riley was subbed on against the English league champions last night and delivered a game-winning assist as Brighton won 3-2 at the AMEX Stadium.
Ally McCoist was ‘pleased’ for the Danish international, but talkSPORT presenter Jeff Stelling thinks he will need to offer more to win over some Brighton fans.
Now, less than 24 hours after his performance against Liverpool, O’Riley is being linked with a stunning move to Serie A.
AS Roma ‘readying’ transfer bid for Matt O’Riley
It is being reported by TBR Football correspondent Graeme Bailey that Italian outfit AS Roma are preparing to launch a bid for O’Riley.
Interest in Hoops hero O’Riley is said to be ‘growing’ as the same report states he has potential suitors in Italy, Spain and England.
Bailey also claims that Brighton are weighing up whether to sanction an exit for a man they paid Celtic £26m for last summer.
Roma have guaranteed at least a Europa Conference League league phase spot as they will finish no lower than 6th in Serie A this term.
They still have a chance of reaching the Champions League league phase if they can usurp Juventus who sit in 5th.
Patrick Schick is currently Roma’s record signing as they shelled out €42m in 2018 for the former Sampdoria hitman.
It is unknown how much Roma are reportedly bidding for O’Riley but you would like to think Brighton, if they want to entertain a sale, would demand similar to the fee they paid Celtic for him.
Brighton fans do not want O’Riley to be sold
Reacting to the bombshell transfer report on social media platform X, Brighton fans are keen for O’Riley – contracted until June 2029 – to prove himself further next season.
One fan said: “No thanks, he’s going to be great next season”.
Another posted: “Absolute joke we better not sanction it”.
This fan wrote: “Hate it when stuff like this happens, a reminder not to warm to players too much too quickly. I hope it’s not true.”
While one published: “This better not be true (angry face emoji)”.
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