City flag of Brighton & Hove with white seagull on blue ground flying at Hove Lawns Seafront, Brighton, East Sussex.
Brighton & Hove Albion are holding talks with Celtic over a move for star midfielder Matt O’Riley, according to Sky Sports.
The Seagulls have a long-standing interest in the 23-year-old and are making concrete plans to secure his signature ahead of other suitors.
O’Riley had an outstanding 2023/24 campaign, helping the Bhoys clinch the Scottish Premiership title with 18 goals and 13 assists in 37 league appearances last term. He registered 37 goal contributions in 49 outings across all competitions.
The Denmark international has started 2024/25 with a bang, recording an assist in the 4-0 win over Kilmarnock. His stellar performances have attracted interest from several top clubs, including Brighton, Chelsea, and Europa League champions Atalanta.
Chelsea are the latest to have shown interest in his services, reportedly earmarking him as a replacement for Conor Gallagher, who has finally accepted a move to Atletico Madrid.
Interestingly, Atletico Madrid also submitted offers to Celtic for O’Riley in January, but a move never materialised. Los Colchoneros turned to Gallagher this summer and are closing in on a £35 million transfer.
Atalanta made several bids to Celtic, but all have been turned down, with the Scottish Premiership giants asking for £40 million to sell their prized asset.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers warned interested parties that they must cough up a significant transfer fee for O’Riley.
Following the Hoops’ 4-0 pre-season win over DC United in Washington last Sunday, Rodgers admitted he was delighted with his attitude amid continued interest.
“It’s been actually straightforward with Matt because he’s such a great professional,” he told Sky Sports.
“The challenge for teams coming to a club like Celtic is they sometimes can place their value on the league and not the player.
“Obviously, there are riches in other leagues much greater than ours that allow players to go and improve their conditions for their life. We all understand that.
“What’s important for me is if a player does leave here, they pay the value for the player, and that isn’t something that always happens.
