Brighton Negotiates Celtic Deal for Midfielder Matt O'Riley

Celtic's Matt O'Riley in Demand: Brighton and Chelsea Among Interested Clubs

Celtic's talented midfielder, Matt O'Riley, is generating significant interest from various clubs this summer. Brighton & Hove Albion is currently in discussions with the Scottish giants regarding a potential transfer, while Chelsea is also keeping a close eye on the situation, especially with the possibility of Conor Gallagher moving to Atlético Madrid.

O'Riley's Impressive Performance

At just 23 years old, Matt O'Riley had an incredible season with Celtic, recording 19 goals and 18 assists in 49 appearances for the team. His recent performance was highlighted during Celtic's dominant 4-0 victory against Kilmarnock, where he contributed with an assist, showcasing his playmaking abilities and proving he is a vital asset to his current club.

Transfer Interest from Multiple Clubs

O'Riley's talent did not go unnoticed last season, as multiple clubs have shown interest in acquiring his services. Atalanta made an offer earlier in the summer, and several Premier League teams, as well as clubs from abroad, are also said to be monitoring the situation closely.

Brendan Rodgers' Statement on O'Riley's Value

Brendan Rodgers, the Celtic manager, has made it clear that any potential transfer involving O'Riley will not be an easy sale. He emphasized the importance of recognizing O'Riley's true value as a player rather than judging him based on the league he plays in. "It's been actually straightforward with Matt because he's such a great professional. The challenge for teams coming to a club like Celtic is they sometimes can place their value on the league and not the player," Rodgers stated.

Rodgers made it clear: "No player will leave here unless it's for the right valuation, and at this moment in time, there's been no team that's been anywhere near that."

Contract Situation and Future Prospects

Matt O'Riley is under contract with Celtic until 2027. This long-term commitment indicates that Celtic is not in a hurry to let go of their star player. Notably, the club previously rejected a £20 million bid from Atlético Madrid, further signaling their intent to keep O'Riley unless an attractive offer emerges.

Summer Transfer Window Information

With the summer transfer window officially closing on August 30 at 11 PM UK time for the Premier League, clubs will be keen to finalize their rosters. The earlier Deadline Day aligns with other major European leagues, intensifying the competition for top talent.

Conclusion

As negotiations continue, fans are eager to see whether Matt O'Riley will remain with Celtic or take the next step in his career. With interest high from clubs like Brighton and Chelsea, it will be interesting to watch how this transfer saga unfolds.