Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Mon 2 June 2025 13:28, UK
Brighton will make it difficult for Everton to seal a deal for midfield star Matt O’Riley this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
O’Riley, 24, endured a tough first season in the Premier League but is attracting early-window interest from the Toffees.
It is believed Everton boss David Moyes is a “big fan” of the Denmark international – who caught the eye of a host of English clubs with his performances at former club Celtic.
However, Brighton will demand to recoup their total investment on the midfielder – including the £25million fee they paid to land him just nine months ago.
Moyes is ‘big fan’ of Brighton star O’Riley
Big things were expected of the creative star following his arrival at the Amex Stadium but he suffered a serious ankle injury on debut against Crawley Town in the League Cup.
O’Riley returned to action in November after undergoing surgery but was forced to settle for a back-up role, behind the likes of Yasin Ayari, Diego Gomez, Brajan Gruda and Jack Hinshelwood.
Appearances (Starts) 23 (12)
Minutes Played 948
Goals 2
Assists 3
Yellow Cards 1
O’Riley’s Brighton stats in the 2024-25 campaign (all competitions)
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He made 23 appearances across all competitions for Brighton in the 2024-25 campaign, with 12 of those outings coming as part of the starting eleven.
The Fulham academy graduate hit two goals and notched three assists – including a high-profile winner against Man City shortly after his return from injury.
O’Riley is under contract with Brighton until June 2029 following his arrival at the club last year (2024).
Matt O'Riley of Celtic poses for a photo with the PlayStation Player Of The Match award after the draw in the UEFA Champions League match between C...
Photo by Jan Kruger – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Calvert-Lewin contract latest from Everton
Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (22 May) that Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to take his time over a final decision on remaining at Everton.
Calvert-Lewin’s current deal is set to expire on 30 June, allowing him to move elsewhere on a free transfer.
Rival clubs are expected to make approaches for the Everton star, who has been on Merseyside since joining from Sheffield United in 2016.
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