Matt O’Riley helped Brighton grab a late win over Premier League champions Liverpool last night, setting up the winning goal at the Amex Stadium. With the game level at 2-2, O’Riley came off the bench and played a clever pass for Jack Hinshelwood, who scored the third and final goal of the night.
The Danish midfielder joined Brighton from Celtic last summer in a deal worth over £25 million. Since then, he’s had some ups and downs in the Premier League, but moments like this remind everyone why he was so highly rated in Scotland. His pass for the winner was smart and showed the vision that made him one of Celtic’s best players before he moved south.
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..
O’Riley has been linked with clubs in the Premier League, Germany, and Italy. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently reported that several top sides are keeping an eye on him. That interest might lead to another big move in the near future.
Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler, however, was quick to praise O’Riley after the match, highlighting the midfielder’s intelligence against the Premier League champions.
He said: (Brighton FC), “I can just be happy for the players, especially Matt O’Riley and Jack [Hinshelwood], who had a big impact on the goal.“
If Brighton decide to sell him on, Celtic could benefit again. When they sold O’Riley, the club added a sell-on clause to the deal. That means they’ll get a share of any future transfer fee. Depending on the size of the clause, it could be a nice bonus for the Scottish champions.
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..
However, Hürzeler’s praise for O’Riley after the Liverpool game suggests he remains very much in his plans. His comments seem to cool down the idea that the midfielder is on the way out any time soon. The Brighton boss appeared more focused on O’Riley’s impact and growth than on transfer talk.
For Celtic fans, it’s another reminder of the quality player the Hoops helped develop. O’Riley might no longer be wearing the green and white, but his performances down south are still worth watching — especially if they might lead to more money heading to Celtic Park in the future.
His performance off the bench against Liverpool proves he can perform at the highest level. Coming off the bench and making the difference in such a big game will boost his confidence and might also increase his value. If a bidding war does break out in the months ahead, Celtic will be watching with interest.
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