Celtic hero enjoying career resurgence in Ligue 1 after adopting new role has club seeking permanent transfer talks
Former Hoops midfielder has impressed since moving to the south of France on loan after a year of misfortune in the Premier League
Former Celtic treble-winner Matt O'Riley could be set for a permanent move to Marseille - with the Ligue 1 giants wanting to hold talks with his parent club over a potential deal.
The Danish international headed to the south of France on loan from Premier League side Brighton for the first half of the season.
And Sky Sports now report the French club are seeking a permanent transfer for the 25-year-old midfield maestro in January with his current loan agreement not including an option-to-buy clause.
O’Riley has been enjoying a career resurgence since opting to leave the UK, with Marseille officials impressed by his contribution and eager to secure his services ahead of interest from other teams in Europe's major leagues.
A standout performer in matches against Ajax and Real Madrid in the Champions League this term, as well as against PSG domestically, O’Riley appears to have rediscovered his mojo alongside the likes of ex-Hoops attacker Timothy Weah, fellow countryman Pierre-Emil Hojberg and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
He left Brighton in the summer after the Seagulls dished out £25 million to Celtic for the player, with Marseille head coach Roberto De Zerbi said to be a big fan of the player’s work-rate and his ability to play both in midfield and in a more advanced role.
O’Riley has earned rave reviews from fans who reckon De Zerbi has got him playing in the perfect position in a deeper-lying midfield role, with one punter stating: “I don’t know about you, but between the Real match & the one with PSG, I really like this player. I find him elegant in his way of playing, he plays simply, I like it a lot.”
Full focus for Matt O’Riley on Newcastle United Champions League battle
Despite the reports, O’Riley will have his more immediate thoughts on a Champions League showdown with Newcastle United at Stade Velodrome this week.
He was speculatively linked with several clubs, mainly in Italy, during the summer and further transfer talk has started early ahead of the winter window.
Marseille currently sit in second place in the Ligue 1 table, but they have ground to make up in the Champions League. O’Riley has featured in ten league matches, including six starts while playing four times in Europe.