Atletico Madrid are preparing a summer bid for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Matt O’Riley, potentially offering a financial windfall for Celtic, according to Sky Sports. The 25-year-old has struggled for consistent playing time in the Premier League, featuring in only six games this season, and could be seeking a move to secure more regular football.
O’Riley initially joined Brighton from Celtic in 2024 for a reported fee of around €30m. However, his time on the south coast has been disrupted, with a loan spell at Marseille lasting only a few months before returning to Brighton in January. Despite this, his performances have continued to attract attention from clubs across Europe.
This is not the first time Atletico Madrid have shown interest in the Denmark international. They submitted a bid of approximately €24m for O’Riley while he was still at Celtic in January 2024, but the offer was rejected. Diego Simeone’s side are now revisiting their interest, viewing O’Riley as a valuable addition to their squad, capable of providing depth and competition in midfield.
Celtic are poised to benefit from any potential transfer due to a 10% sell-on clause included in their agreement with Brighton. The exact amount Celtic will receive is dependent on the specifics of the clause – whether it applies to the total fee or only to any profit Brighton makes. A straightforward 10% sell-on clause could see Celtic receive around €3m if O’Riley is sold for around €30m.
O’Riley himself has indicated he is open to a move this summer, expressing his desire for regular playing time. Speaking to The Brighton Base, he stated he loves the club but ultimately wants to be involved in matches. His Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €24.4m, with a range of €22m to €26.9m. Competition for his signature may also come from clubs in Serie A. A move to Atletico Madrid would provide O’Riley with the opportunity to play for a top European club and compete in the Champions League.
