The Italian Job – Matt O’Riley edges closer to Brighton exit | OneFootball

Former Celtic star Matt O’Riley is reportedly keen to join Juventus. Brighton and Hove Albion signed the Danish playmaker from the Scottish champions for £25 million last summer…

Matt O’Riley of Brighton & Hove Albion in action. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

O’Riley’s debut for Brighton on the south coast began in the worst possible way, with the midfielder leaving on a stretcher just six minutes into the match against Crawley Town in the EFL Cup.

In his debut season with Fabian Hurzeler’s side, he featured in 23 matches, but another summer transfer for the ex-Celtic fans favourite could be on the horizon.

According to Fabrizio Romano, O’Riley is keen to finalise a move to Juventus, who have listed him among three midfielders they are targeting.

Reports suggest the Italian giants are weighing up a loan move with an option-to-buy clause inserted in the contract, but any approach would hinge on the departure of another midfielder, most likely Douglas Luiz.

During his two and a half seasons at Celtic, O’Riley made 124 appearances and collected three Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups, and a League Cup winners medal.

Matt O’Riley of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Scottish Premiership match between theRangers FC and Celtic FC at Ibrox on April 07, 2024. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, while representing Denmark in June, O’Riley quite openly and honestly discussed in an interview the position where he feels most comfortable playing at Brighton.

“I’m just giving my opinion. It makes it difficult to show off when you play a position you’re not completely happy with,” O’Riley said.

“I can play better for the team if I play the number 8 position, but I can play well in other positions. You can say it in a way that is not aggressive. If you are honest with another person, you don’t lose anything. The coach can always say he doesn’t agree.

Jack Butland of theRangers fails to save a penalty from Matt O’Riley of Celtic, his sides second goal during the Scottish Premiership match between theRangers FC and Celtic FC at Ibrox on April 07, 2024. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

“I’ve become better at defending myself, being more aggressive and intense in duels,” O’Riley added. “My coach said I should work on my defensive attitude so that I could defend better and help the team in that way. I think that will also help on the national team.

“I’m best at the number eight position, where I can go box to box. I’ve only played two games there, otherwise, I’ve been used as a winger, false number nine, or something else.”

Conor Spence

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