‘Clueless’ – Matt O’Riley insists he is going nowhere amid Brighton exit interest
Matt O’Riley believes his future remains at Brighton after speaking out on links with a move to Juventus.
O’Riley netted from the spot to put Brighton ahead against Fulham, though the Cottagers pegged back the home side thanks to a 96th minute Rodrigo Muniz equaliser.
Football Insider exclusively revealed in June that Brighton would accept offers in the region of £30million for O’Riley, with Juventus among the Serie A club’s interested in the 24-year-old.
O’Riley joined Brighton last summer from Celtic, after a successful two seasons at the Scottish club, winning back-to-back Premiership titles.
Premier League club interested in O’Riley
The Daily Record [18 August] reported that O’Riley was “clueless” surrounding links with Juventus and says he is “very happy” at Brighton.
Football Insider though can now reveal that Sunderland are interested in hijacking any Juventus deal for O’Riley.
Sunderland have signed former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, amongst a plethora of new additions this summer.
O’Riley’s time at Brighton was hit by an injury in his first appearance against Crawley in the League Cup, but when called upon the Denmark international impressed and wants more guaranteed playing time this campaign.
O’Riley has Brighton decision to make
Football Insider Verdict
Starting the first game of the season against Fulham may indicate that O’Riley is part of Fabian Hurzeler’s plans this season, even though the Dane has been heavily linked with a move away from the AMEX.
O’Riley was Brighton’s star performer against Fulham, and given more minutes this season the midfielder may have more suitors for his services next summer.
A box-to-box, technically gifted player, O’Riley suits Brighton’s possession based style and showed at Celtic his influence on matches and goal scoring ability.
| Appearances | 26 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 4 |
O’Riley looks like he will have a transfer decision to make before the end of the window, no matter how adamant he is that he is happy at the club.
Sunderland would be keen to add more talent to their ranks, even if they comfortably beat West Ham 3-0 in their opening Premier League fixture.
European club’s meanwhile could offer O’Riley Champions League football, something he experienced whilst at Celtic.
It could make for a hectic end to the transfer window for O’Riley and Brighton.