Celtic stand to gain financially if Brighton sell Matt O’Riley, thanks to a 10 per cent sell-on clause inserted in his £25million transfer last August. The ex-Celtic midfielder has hinted at seeking a fresh start after a tough spell at the Amex Stadium, where he struggled for regular game time.
What happened to Matt O’Riley at Brighton?
Matt O’Riley joined Brighton for £25million in August 2024 but found opportunities limited under Fabian Hurzeler. A loan to Marseille yielded two goals and five assists, yet he featured just four times after returning in January. Now, he’s open to new challenges, citing a desire for sunshine, different cultures, and personal growth.
Why does this matter for Celtic?
Celtic negotiated a 10 per cent sell-on clause on any future profit Brighton make from O’Riley’s sale. With the Hoops finishing the 2025 Premiership season in 3rd place on 67 points (21W-4D-8L), and a strong recent form of five straight wins, including a 3-1 victory over Heart Of Midlothian on 16 May 2026, the club’s financial acumen remains sharp.
What’s next for O’Riley?
O’Riley reflected on his time at Celtic and Marseille, praising both clubs’ global fanbases. He said: "You meet them all over the world, similar to Celtic. In that sense, they are both massive clubs." His next move could trigger a significant payday for Celtic, who scored 59 goals and conceded 35 last season, finishing just three points behind leaders Heart Of Midlothian.
