On Saturday, we covered claims from Italy which stated Matt O’Riley is waiting patiently for developments on his future. Last summer, the midfielder moved to Brighton & Hove Albion, after being the subject of something of a transfer fight.
Atalanta had wanted to sign him from Celtic and for a while there was confidence verging on cockiness from the Italian media, with a belief the player would prefer a move to the Serie A side over the Seagulls.
Brighton won the tussle but O’Riley hasn’t had the season he will have hoped for. Fitness has been one issue, and he’s spoken post season about not being played in his best position and Fabian Hürzeler not getting the best out of him.
There was clear frustration in the player’s words as he spoke to the Danish media, and given Brighton’s manager doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere soon, the prospect of an exit reared its head.
At the time of Atalanta interest, Gian Piero Gasperini was their manager. He’s now at AS Roma and is trying to sign O’Riley again.
Again, there’s a lot of Italian confidence. Saturday saw claims Roma were trying to get the price below €25m, and Sunday’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport reports ‘Roma and Brighton have been negotiating for days and the final deal could be around €23m’.
That looks like a remarkably cheap price and it remains to be seen whether this is misplaced Italian confidence or whether Gasperini is on the verge of finally getting his man.
Matt O’Riley | Midfielder shares Brighton frustration
Fabian Hürzeler not using him in best position
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) June 4, 2025
