Brighton Signs Denmark Midfielder Matt O’Riley From Celtic

Brighton secured the signing of Danish midfielder, Matt O’Riley, from Scottish champions Celtic for a reported fee of £25 million on Monday.

O’Riley agreed on a five-year contract with the Premier League club and will move to the Amex Stadium subject to international clearance.

The Denmark international made over 100 appearances for the Hoops after joining from Milton Keynes Dons in 2022, scoring 27 goals and contributing to Celtic’s three Scottish Premiership titles.

He hit 19 goals and also contributed 18 assists during Celtic’s title-winning campaign last term.

Celtic had rejected several offers for O’Riley from Europa League holders Atalanta and Spanish club Atletico Madrid before finally accepting Brighton’s bid.

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler said, “He plays a very specialist position. He is very good at occupying and attacking the right space and likes making deep runs, knowing 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 very important for us.”

O’Riley has become Brighton’s seventh signing in a busy summer transfer window, which features a club-record deal of £40 million for French forward Georginio Rutter from Leeds, along with the acquisition of Netherlands midfielder Mats Wieffer from Feyenoord for approximately £25.5 million.

Hurzeler’s side are second in the Premier League after beating Everton and Manchester United in their opening two games of the season.