Brighton and Hove Albion complete signing of Danish midfielder Matt O’Riley from Celtic
Danish international Matt O’Riley joins Brighton and Hove Albion from Celtic Credit: None
Brighton and Hove Albion have announced the signing of Matt O’Riley, a 23-year-old midfielder, from Celtic.
The Danish international has signed a five-year contract that will keep him at the club until June 2029.
Men’s first-team coach Fabian Hurzeler praised O’Riley’s qualities as a versatile box-to-box midfielder.
"He plays a very specialist position; he is very good at occupying and attacking the right space. He likes making deep runs, and knows when to attack at the right time," Hurzeler explained.
O’Riley’s dual ability to attack and defend makes him a valuable addition to the team. Hurzeler added, "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."
Born in London to a Danish mother and English father, O’Riley began his career with Fulham’s academy at the age of eight. He made his senior debut for Fulham in the EFL Cup before moving to MK Dons in January 2021.
After scoring ten goals in 49 appearances for MK Dons in League One, O’Riley transferred to Celtic in 2022.
During his two and a half years at Celtic Park, he made over 100 appearances and scored 27 goals, helping the club win three Scottish Premiership titles, a domestic treble in 2023, and a league and cup double last season.
His performances earned him several awards, including Player of the Season, Players’ Player, and Young Player of the Season for 2023/24.
On the international stage, O’Riley represented England at youth levels but chose to play for Denmark at the senior level, making his debut in November 2023.
