£25m Deal: Club Bows Out of O’Riley Transfer Race

One of the key suitors in the chase for Celtic’s Matt O’Riley looks to have bowed out of the race. Brighton & Hove Albion, who had been in contact with the Hoops over a potential move for the talented midfielder, have shifted their attention elsewhere, snapping up Brajan Gruda from Mainz in a deal worth £25 million. [Fabrizio Romano]

The arrival of Gruda, a highly-rated young midfielder, signals Brighton’s intent to bolster their squad but also likely closes the door on any move for O’Riley. Gruda, who slots into a similar role that O’Riley would have filled, leaves little room—both in terms of budget and squad space—for another high-profile midfield signing.

O’Riley, who remains under contract at Celtic until 2027, has been a hot commodity this summer, with several clubs circling. However, it’s understood that the player himself isn’t in any rush to leave the Glasgow giants, particularly if the destination isn’t a Champions League club. While Atalanta, another club heavily linked with the Dane, can offer top-tier European Football, Brighton cannot, a factor that might have iNFLuenced the decision to shift their focus.

For Celtic, this development could be seen as a slight easing of the transfer pressure. Brighton’s interest was genuine, but with Gruda now on board at the Amex, the Seagulls’ midfield is likely set, leaving Atalanta as the primary club still in active pursuit of O’Riley.

As it stands, O’Riley remains a crucial part of Brendan Rodgers’ plans at Celtic Park, and with the Hoops comPeting in the Champions League, there’s every chance he’ll continue to ply his trade in front of the passionate Parkhead support, at least for the foreseeable future.