Blockbuster Celtic transfer sealed as Premier League boss raves over 'special' star after record-breaking deal
A big Celtic transfer exit has been confirmed.
Matt O’Riley has completed his transfer from Celtic to Brighton.
According to Sky Sports, he has joined the Seagulls for a fee of £26m rising to £30m with add-ons, breaking the Scottish transfer record held by Kieran Tierney’s move to Arsenal from Parkhead in 2019. O’Riley joined Celtic in 2022 from MK Dons for a small seven figure fee and has now turned them a tasty profit, as well as scooping three from a possible three Premiership trophies during time in Glasgow.
He’s also won the Scottish Cup and League Cup trophies. Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler said: “He plays a very specialist position; he is very good at occupying and attacking the right space. He likes making deep runs, and know when to attack at the right time.
“He enjoys getting forward and attacking the opponent's penalty area, but he also has a good defensive instinct. That balance makes him special. He is a great character, and has a good ambition to succeed and that's something which is very important for us.”
Celtic’s statement reads: “Everyone at Celtic Park wishes Matt O’Riley every success in his move to English Premier League side, Brighton & Hove Albion. The midfielder joined the Hoops in the winter transfer window of 2021/22 from Milton Keynes Dons, making his debut against Hearts at Tynecastle in a 2-1 win towards the end of January.
“That was the first of his 124 Celtic games, during which he scored 27 goals. His first goal for the Hoops came in a 3-2 win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie just a fortnight after his debut, while his last goal was on Trophy Day against St Mirren in May as he helped the Celts to a 3-2 victory at the end of a title-winning campaign.
“The Danish internationalist leaves Celtic having lifted three Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups and one League Cup as well as sweeping the boards last season at the club’s Player of the Year awards by winning all three categories - Player, Young Player and Players’ Player of the Year.
“A mark of his input over the past few seasons can also be seen in the number of assists he has accumulated over his time at Celtic – 35 in all. Matt leaves with the best wishes of everyone at Celtic Park and the image above says it all – THANK YOU, MATT!”