Matt O’Riley could be on the move again this summer with Sky Sports reporting Atletico Madrid are interested in signing the former Celtic midfielder.
The Spanish side previously tried to bring O’Riley to La Liga while he was still at Celtic, but the Scottish champions rejected their approach before Brighton eventually completed a deal worth around £25million in August 2024.
Now Atletico are said to be revisiting that interest after a frustrating spell for the Denmark international in England.
O’Riley has struggled for regular football since returning to Brighton midway through this season following a loan spell with Marseille. The 25-year-old featured heavily in France earlier in the campaign, playing in Ligue 1 and the Champions League, but his opportunities under Fabian Hurzeler have been limited since January.
Despite that, O’Riley’s reputation across Europe remains strong.
The midfielder’s performances at Celtic still carry massive significance, especially his final full season in Glasgow when he delivered goals and assists consistently from central midfield while helping the club win another league title and Scottish Cup.
Atletico’s continued interest suggests those displays have not been forgotten.
For Celtic supporters, though, there is another angle to watch closely.
The club are believed to hold a 10 per cent sell-on clause tied to any profit Brighton make from a future transfer. That means a sizeable move to Atletico Madrid could bring another financial boost back to Parkhead despite O’Riley leaving nearly two years ago.
Brighton’s business model has always involved buying players, developing them quickly and selling at increased value. Even though O’Riley has not become a guaranteed starter in the Premier League, his age, Champions League experience and international profile still make him an attractive option for top European clubs.
From a football perspective, Atletico may also suit him better stylistically.
O’Riley’s strongest qualities come when he can control possession, arrive late into attacking areas and operate within a disciplined midfield structure. Those traits fit naturally into the way Diego Simeone likes his midfielders to play.
If Atletico decide to move seriously this summer, Celtic may end up benefiting once again from one of the club’s best modern transfer deals.
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2 responses
I hope MO’Rgets the move he deserves. He’s worked hard for it. But I can’t get myself excited about Celtic getting a sizeable handout as part of a sell on fee when we all know it will be very unlikely to be used to brin the next MO’R or any other ready established player that we are/will be in need of next season. HMRC will be the only money people to benefit from Celtics bank balance!
I hope MO’R gets the move he deserves. He’s worked hard for it. But I can’t get myself excited about Celtic getting a sizeable handout as part of a sell on fee when we all know it will be very unlikely to be used to bring the next MO’R or any other ready established player that we are/will be in need of next season. HMRC will be the only money people to benefit from Celtics bank balance!