Former Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley could be on the move again, and it might have a knock-on effect for the Hoops. The Danish playmaker, who joined Brighton for £25 million last summer, is said to prefer a switch to Italian side Roma if he leaves the Premier League this window.
Celtic are watching closely, as they reportedly included a sell-on clause in his Brighton deal. If the Seagulls sell him for more than they paid, Celtic are said to be due a cut of the profit.
Matt O'Riley Brighton
Soccer Football – Carabao Cup – Second Round – Brighton & Hove Albion v Crawley Town – The American Express Community Stadium, Brighton, Britain – August 27, 2024 Brighton & Hove Albion’s Matt O’Riley during the warm up before the match Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR ‘LIVE’ SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE FOR FURTHER DETAILS..
That clause already helped the club cash in this summer when Jeremie Frimpong moved from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool, triggering another payment from a past deal.
However, things might not be so simple this time. Brighton are believed to want around £30 million for O’Riley, but Roma are working under Financial Fair Play restrictions. Reports in Italy say they’ve spoken to O’Riley’s representatives and are keen to bring him to Serie A, but they might only be able to offer a loan deal just now, with an agreement to buy him fully next summer.
If that happens, it could delay or even reduce the money Celtic would receive, depending on how the deal is structured. With Roma needing to balance the books by the end of June, their hands are tied for now.
O’Riley is understood to be patient about the move. He’s attracted interest in Italy before, with Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini trying to sign him during his time at Celtic. Now at Roma, Gasperini still rates him highly.
The 24-year-old is also believed to be frustrated with how he’s being used at Brighton. Under manager Fabian Hurzeler, he’s not being played in his usual position, while Georginio Rutter has been given the central role in midfield. That could be another factor pushing him towards the exit door.
Soccer Football – Premier League – Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester City – The American Express Community Stadium, Brighton, Britain – November 9, 2024 Brighton & Hove Albion’s Matt O’Riley celebrates scoring their second goal Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR ‘LIVE’ SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE FOR FURTHER DETAILS..
Celtic will be hoping any transfer brings in more cash to support their summer plans. But if Roma push for a delayed payment or structure a complicated deal, the outcome might not be as rewarding as the Frimpong windfall. Talks are still ongoing, and Brighton are in no rush to sell, so this story could drag on into July.
For now, O’Riley remains a Brighton player. But with Roma interested and the player open to the move, Celtic have good reason to keep a close eye on what happens next.
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