Brighton set to launch huge

Brighton set to launch huge transfer bid for Celtic ace Matt O’Riley as... Read More.

Brighton & Hove Albion are reportedly preparing a substantial offer to acquire Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley. The English Premier League club is said to be readying a bid of £25 million, with additional add-ons, to test Celtic’s determination to keep their star player. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers had previously indicated that O’Riley would only be sold for a significant sum, and this potential offer from Brighton could be difficult for the Scottish champions to refuse.

As Brighton aims to reshape their squad for the upcoming Premier League season, their interest in O’Riley signals a serious intent to strengthen their midfield options. The 22-year-old Danish midfielder, who was instrumental in Celtic’s recent 4-0 victory over Kilmarnock, has been a key figure for the Hoops. Last season, he delivered an impressive performance, scoring 19 goals and providing 18 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions. His current contract with Celtic extends until 2027, giving the club considerable leverage in any transfer negotiations.

In addition to Brighton, both Southampton and Atalanta have also expressed interest in O’Riley. However, Brighton appears to be leading the race, with their planned offer potentially matching or even surpassing the current Scottish transfer record of £25 million. This record was set by Celtic in the sales of Kieran Tierney to Arsenal in 2019 and Jota to Al-Ittihad in 2023.

The timing of Brighton’s pursuit of O’Riley coincides with speculation surrounding the future of Scotland international Billy Gilmour, who currently plays for Brighton. Gilmour, formerly of Rangers and Chelsea, is reportedly a target for Napoli. The Italian club had an £8 million bid rejected last month but returned with an improved offer of £10 million for the 23-year-old midfielder last week.

If Brighton succeeds in securing O’Riley, it would mark a significant addition to their squad, reinforcing their ambitions for the new season. At the same time, the potential departure of Gilmour could pave the way for O’Riley’s arrival at the Amex Stadium. As the transfer window progresses, the situation is likely to evolve, with Celtic and Brighton at the center of what could be one of the summer’s most notable transfers in Scottish football.