Sport nationCeltic FC has agreed to sell midfielder Matt O’Riley to Brighton in a deal worth £30 million. The 23-year-old has been a key player for Celtic since joining from MK Dons in January 2022, scoring 27 goals and assisting 35 times in 124 appearances.
O’Riley’s departure will be a significant loss for Celtic, who will miss his creativity and work rate in midfield. However, the club has made a significant profit on the player, who was signed for just £1.5 million.
The deal is a Scottish record fee and highlights the attraction of Celtic’s young players to Premier League clubs. O’Riley’s move follows the departure of other Celtic players to England, including Moussa Dembele and Kieran Tierney.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers will need to find a replacement for O’Riley, who was an integral part of the team’s success last season. The club has been linked with several midfielders, including John McGinn and David Turnbull.
The sale of O’Riley has sparked debate among Celtic fans, with some questioning the club’s ambition and others praising the profit made on the player. The club’s CEO, Peter Lawwell, has been criticized for prioritizing profit over success on the pitch.
However, the sale of O’Riley may also be seen as an opportunity for Celtic to reinvest in the team and bring in new talent. The club has a strong academy and has developed several young players in recent years, including O’Riley himself.
O’Riley’s move to Brighton is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and he will be remembered fondly by Celtic fans for his contributions to the team. The club wishes him well in his future endeavors and thanks him for his service.
Amina Umar
Sport nation