Celtic have confirmed that Matt O’Riley has finally departed the club following a long transfer saga.
The Danish internationalist looked to be heading to Atalanta for most of the summer before the Serie A club pulled out of negotiations and pursued other targets.
Now the impressive midfielder, who Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers was eager to keep, has put pen to paper on a long-term contract with Brighton in the English Premier League.
Announcing the player’s reported £30million exit, Celtic said: “We can confirm that Matt O'Riley has joined English Premier League side, Brighton & Hove Albion.
“Everyone at #CelticFC would like to thank Matt for his vast contribution and efforts for the Club. Best of luck and thank you, Matt 🍀”
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler was quick to hail the qualities that the box-to-box midfielder possesses.
He said: “He plays a very specialist position; he is very good at occupying and attacking the right space. He likes making deep runs, and know 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.”
During his two and a half years at Celtic Park, O'Riley made over 100 appearances and netted 27 goals.
His contributions were instrumental in securing three Scottish Premiership titles for the Glasgow club, which included a domestic treble in 2023 and a league and cup double last season, earning him the much-coveted accolade of Celtic’s Player of the Season.
