Matt O’Riley is set to return to Brighton after the club reached an agreement to cut short his loan spell at Marseille.
The Danish international midfielder will be reintegrated into Brighton’s squad for the second half of the season, with the Premier League side eager to utilise his talents in their push for a strong finish.
O’Riley made the high-profile switch to Brighton 18 months ago in a record-breaking transfer, but despite showing flashes of real quality, his time on the south coast has been hampered by inconsistency and injuries. The loan to Marseille offered him valuable Champions League experience, and while he started brightly in France, his minutes have declined in recent months.
🚨🔵⚪️ Understand agreement has been reached for Matt O’Riley to return to Brighton from OM.
Verbal agreement reached, paperwork being checked between the clubs.#BHAFC happy to have him back to give them full strength for the rest of the season. pic.twitter.com/KBqZH5VaJd
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 1, 2026
Now back in England, Brighton believe O’Riley is returning as a more mature and developed player, having experienced a different tactical setup and the intensity of European competition. The hope is that he can now kick on, stay fit, and make a more consistent impact in the midfield under Fabian Hürzeler.
The former Celtic playmaker remains highly rated, and this could be a vital period in reigniting his trajectory in English football. Brighton fans will be eager to see if O’Riley can replicate the form that made him such a standout during his time in Glasgow.
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