Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley will sign for Brighton and Hove Albion after transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano declared the move a ‘done deal’ on Friday evening.
The switch has not been officially announced by either party but Romano’s track record on eventually completed transfers when he gives it a ‘here we go’ is well known to supporters across the world.
Earlier on Friday, Brendan Rodgers suggested O’Riley would be part of his match squad for the trip to St Mirren on Sunday but that now seems unlikely after the latest development.
It’s said by Romano that agreements have been reached as Brighton get themselves another big signing over the line this summer.
Celtic set to receive record fee for Matt O’Riley
The report states that Celtic will receive an initial sum of £25m, rising to £30m with add-ons – which would break the record transfer fee received in Scotland.
It’s a hefty sum for the Bhoys, a lot of which must be reinvested back into the team in the final week of the transfer window.
O’Riley will go down as a great Celtic signing
Arriving from MK Dons for just £1.5m, O’Riley went on to make 124 appearances for Celtic in total, scoring 27 goals and creating 35 assists.
Winning six trophies in total and now making the club a massive profit, he’ll go down as one of the best-ever signings made by the Bhoys.
His eye-catching, graceful midfield play made him a real fan favourite and many supporters will be sad to see him leave this summer.
Celtic must push on with transfers
The Bhoys haven’t needed incoming funds to conclude deals this summer but the exit of the team’s stand-out performer last term puts pressure on recruitment staff to deliver a viable replacement.
Arne Engels and Mateusz Bogusz have been the most heavily linked in recent days as Rodgers looks for quality additions to help the team push on, despite O’Riley’s exit.
Strong business must be done in the last week of the window. Not only are midfielders now needed but a left-back and central defender are also big priorities. There’s no time to waste.
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