Celtic fans have been waiting for a definitive answer on Matt O’Riley’s future all summer as he continues to shine in Glasgow’s east end.
The Denmark international has been a revelation north of the border and scored 19 goals and laid on 18 assists last term under Brendan Rodgers.
O’Riley has been the subject of intense speculation this summer. However, suitors Atalanta have moved onto Lazar Samardzic and brought in the Serbia international from Udinese last night, ruling them out of the running.
Brighton & Hove Albion have been at the table all summer. Nevertheless, they have also signed Brajan Gruda from Mainz, who is predominantly an attacking midfielder.
With the saga looking set to go to the wire, it appears the Seagulls have made their move after all as plates start to spin in the market.
Brighton submit formal O’Riley bid, Romano offers indication
According to Sky Sports Transfer Centre, Brighton have submitted a formal offer for O’Riley and are ‘locked in talks’ with Celtic as they look to pursue the London-born playmaker.
The outlet claim the Seagulls have positioned themselves ahead of Chelsea and other suitors for his signature. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen if Atalanta will come in with another proposal.
Fabrizio Romano has also indicated where O’Riley could fit at Brighton if a deal were to go through, stating the Dane could be lined up as a potential replacement for Billy Gilmour, who is wanted by Napoli.
He stated: “Not only talks ongoing for Romelu Lukaku with Chelsea on separate story from Victor Osimhen. Napoli are also working to get Brighton’s green light on Billy Gilmour deal. If #BHAFC close Matt O’Riley deal with Celtic, Napoli will be ready to proceed with Gilmour.”
Celtic boss Rodgers remained coy on O’Riley’s future in his post-match press conference yesterday after the Bhoys saw off Hibernian in the Premier Sports Cup. Addressing his situation, the Irishman said when asked if he would be a Celtic player by the end of the window: “I don’t know is the honest answer. You see with him that he is an incredibly talented player.
“There is a value we have for him, and if that’s not met he will be here – it’s as simple as that. He is really happy here, but it has to be something that draws him away.”
Evaluating O’Riley’s demeanour, he paints the picture of a calm individual who is fully focused on his work at Celtic. He hasn’t agitated for a move or appeared out of sorts during any of his club duties and remains happy in Glasgow for the time being.
Nevertheless, a decision on his next career step looks to be looming amid Brighton firming up their advances. We will need to wait and see how this now plays out.
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