Celtic and Brighton have come to an agreement for the transfer of Matt O’Riley, with the midfielder set to move to the Premier League in a deal that will break both Celtic’s and Scottish football’s transfer records, CeltsAreHere understands. The fee is expected to exceed £25 million, making it the most expensive transfer in Scottish football history.
An official announcement could be made as early as Friday night, with the final details being ironed out. If not by then, the deal is likely to be confirmed over the weekend. There’s even talk that O’Riley could be seen in the crowd at Brighton’s Premier League match against Manchester United tomorrow.
O’Riley, who joined Celtic from MK Dons for just £1.5 million, has been a standout for the Hoops, collecting multiple awards last season, including Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, and Players’ Player of the Year. His move to Brighton is a major step in his career and a significant financial success for Celtic.
Celtic fans are gutted to see O’Riley leave but there is no ill feeling towards him. They are behind him as he takes this next step in his career. O’Riley has been a brilliant player for the Hoops, and supporters hope he makes a big impact in the EPL.
This transfer not only reflects Celtic’s ability to develop top talent but also brings in a record-breaking fee that the club can now use to strengthen their squad ahead of the Champions League campaign. This money NEEDS to be reinvested.
Rodgers knew Matt O’Riley wouldn’t be present for the St. Mirren game, yet he stood there in front of the cameras and said he would. Nothing this man says can be trusted by fans. Imagine Celtic selling a quality player like O’Riley at this point in the transfer window with only one week left to find a replacement plus at least three other players of quality that Rodgers says he needs. Oh well, the punters will still give that Board their annual contribution by purchasing season books and merchandise to watch the best team in the Scottish diddy league beating the other lot AGAIN!
I’m done with this plc . Finished!
They should have made him the highest earner… A couple more players and we were good to go in Europe.
I’m not the fcuk interested in watching the spfl.
Game over for me.
Why the doom and gloom, O’Riley can pass a good ball but in his last two matches that’s been missing.
For a big lad, he can’t jump, can’t tackle, has no pace, easily pushed off the ball, his shots sometimes go in, but they are like slaps, very seldom do they have any power.
So any money received should be welcomed and used to sign other players.
He has improved at Celtic but he’s nowhere near the class some think.
So cheer up and move on.
Yes, let’s move on and sell Kyogo as well. Brighton didn’t pay £30m for the Matt O’Riley you’ve just described, or indeed the Matt O’Riley we’ve been watching these past 2 years. The doom and gloom is well justified. We’ve just sold one of our best players for profit and not added any of the quality players Bredan has been banging on about for months. There’s one week left in the window and, to quote Chris Sutton, the team is now far weaker than it was last season, which, if you recall, was the season we were humiliated in European competition. I’m with Mickybhoy71 on this – not remotely interested any more in Scottish diddy league domination!