Brighton & Hove Albion have announced the signing of midfielder Matt O’Riley from Celtic.
The 23-year-old joins on a five-year deal, becoming the Seagulls' eighth signing of the summer.
Welcome to the Albion, Matt O'Riley! 🇩🇰 pic.twitter.com/44NgSIVa7G
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) August 26, 2024
See: Summer 2024 transfers & news
Who is Matt O’Riley?
Born on 21 November, 1999, in London, O’Riley began his professional football journey at Fulham. Joining the club's academy as an eight-year-old, he progressed through the ranks and made his first-team debut at the age of 16 in 2017, during an EFL Cup match against Wycombe Wanderers.
In January 2021, O’Riley signed for League One side MK Dons, where he made 52 appearances and scored 10 goals.
It was enough to secure a move to Celtic in January 2022, then under now Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou.
O’Riley became an integral part of the team, making 125 appearances and scoring 27 goals. His contributions helped the club win six trophies, including three consecutive Scottish Premiership titles. Last season, he had his most productive campaign yet, scoring 18 goals and providing 13 assists in just 37 matches, contributing to more goals than any other player in the division.
Although he was previously capped by England at youth levels, O’Riley chose to represent Denmark, the country of his mother's birth, at senior international level, earning his first cap in 2023 against Northern Ireland.
Where he will fit in?
O'Riley is a versatile midfielder known for his vision, creativity and goalscoring ability. He can operate as a dynamic central midfielder or in more advanced roles.
“He plays a very specialist position; he is very good at occupying and attacking the right space," Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler told the club's website. "He likes making deep runs, and knows 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 something which is very important for us.”
Brighton’s transfer activity
Brighton have been one of the most active clubs in this summer’s transfer window.
O’Riley’s marks their eighth signing of the window, following the arrivals of Yankuba Minteh, Mats Weiffer, Georginio Rutter, Amario Cozier-Duberry, Malick Yalcouye, Ibrahim Osman and Brajan Gruda.
When could he make his debut?
After starting their Premier League campaign with victories over Everton and Manchester United, Brighton fans may get their first glimpse of O’Riley when Brighton host Crawley in the EFL Cup on Tuesday.
Up next in the Premier League for the Seagulls is a trip to Arsenal on 31 August.
