Brighton midfielder Matt O'Riley has admitted he is "very open" to transfer offers from across the globe after a difficult season. The 25-year-old former Celtic star spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Marseille, where he impressed with two goals and five assists in domestic and Champions League action.
The Seagulls cut short his season-long loan in France, but after returning to Brighton he made only four appearances under Fabian Hurzeler, finding himself on the periphery of the squad.
Open to new challenges
Speaking to The Argus, O'Riley said: "I'm very open to trying all sorts, you know? I also like sunshine! Vitamin D is a good friend of mine so whenever I can get closer to that. It's also just a different culture, different experiences, learning a new language, all that stuff, I think just helps you build yourself as a person."
Asked whether the intensity of playing for Marseille was similar to his time at Celtic, the playmaker responded: "Definitely, yes. Even when I've been away, I was in Prague with some friends and I met Marseille fans. You meet them all over the world, similar to Celtic. In that sense, they are both massive clubs because you always find a Marseille or a Celtic fan everywhere. I feel very lucky to have played for two teams that size because not many people do. And, also as a person, it has probably set me up for a lot of challenging moments."
Celtic sell-on clause
Celtic will be watching on with interest, having agreed a 10 per cent sell-on clause on any profit made by Brighton from the £25million deal that took O'Riley to England in August 2024. Juventus, Napoli, and Everton were all said to be considering an approach after his impressive spell in France, but it remains to be seen if the interest is revived this summer and if the fee will pass the £25million threshold to land the Hoops a payday.
