The former Celtic standout is poised for a return to the English Premier League on Deadline Day.
Amid the chaos of a busy transfer deadline, the ex-Celtic favourite has made his way back to Brighton and Hove Albion following the end of his loan spell.
Matt O’Riley swapped Celtic for the south coast in August 2024, but a serious ankle injury on his debut against Crawley Town stalled his progress and limited his impact. In search of regular minutes and Champions League exposure, he joined French heavyweights Marseille on loan in September.
During his time at Celtic, the Dane was consistently productive, registering 62 goal contributions from midfield across 124 appearances — form that secured him a £25 million move to the Premier League. He maintained a similar level of efficiency during his brief stint in France, but with opportunities becoming scarce in recent months, Brighton have now moved to bring him back.
Due to a variety of factors, Marseille boss, Roberto De Zerbi and Brighton boss, Fabian Hurzeler have reached an agreement for the player to be recalled. According to Belgian transfer journalist, Sacha Tavolieiri: “Brighton & Hove Albion sign Matt O’Riley, who will leave OM this winter. Confirmed.”
At Marseille, O’Riley was deployed in the number 10 role and contributed three goals and six assists across 25 appearances. He was clearly a player Roberto De Zerbi valued, having worked with him at Brighton last season before bringing him to the south of France. However, the Italian coach is now prepared to let him depart.
The decision to recall the loan follows Marseille’s Champions League exit on the final matchday of the group phase. Meanwhile, Brighton are eager to welcome him back after enduring a four-game winless run in the Premier League, a slump that has seen them drop to 13th after earlier being tipped as European contenders.
Celtic supporters have also been monitoring the progress of their record sale, with the club holding a 10 per cent sell-on clause. When O’Riley started the campaign in strong form, a permanent move to Marseille looked a realistic possibility, but his recall and recent dip in performances have made that outcome far less likely.
The midfielder also endured a difficult moment in the French Super Cup final defeat to PSG, missing a penalty in the shootout. He later issued an apology to supporters via Instagram.
He said: “To the entire Marseille family, please accept my sincere apologies.
“I know how much this meant to all of us and what it took from the players, staff, and supporters to get to this point. All that hard work and your trust should have been rewarded. You deserved it more than anyone. Thank you for your support. We will come back stronger for you. Go OM.”
