Former Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley is reportedly on the move again, with Ligue 1 side Marseille agreeing a surprise loan deal with Brighton for the Denmark international.
His performances under Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers earned him international recognition with Denmark and eventually led to a high-profile transfer to the Premier League.
However, things haven’t quite gone as expected at Brighton. Despite being part of Fabian Hürzeler’s squad, and he was an unused substitute during the Seagulls’ 2-1 win over Manchester City on Sunday.
That lack of minutes appears to have opened the door for a loan switch, with Marseille now set to bring him to France for the season.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Marseille will pay a loan fee of €2 million plus add-ons and will cover O’Riley’s full salary. Interestingly, the deal does not include an option to buy, suggesting Brighton still see long-term value in the player and may expect him to return more seasoned from his spell in Ligue 1.
Marseille are looking to strengthen their midfield options as they prepare for a demanding domestic and European campaign, and O’Riley’s technical ability and work rate could make him a key asset. For the player himself, the move presents a chance to rediscover rhythm and confidence at a club that values creative midfielders.
Celtic fans, meanwhile, will be watching with interest as O’Riley reportedly has a sell-on clause in any profit Brighton make. The midfielder left Glasgow having won multiple trophies and earned widespread admiration for his performances.
While the Hoops won’t see a direct benefit from this latest move, his ongoing development still reflects positively on their recruitment and coaching pathways.
O’Riley’s Marseille switch may have caught many by surprise, but it offers a fresh opportunity for a talented player looking to reignite his season.
