Matt O’Riley is ‘happy’ at Marseille and ready to complete Brighton transfer
Brighton would not get in the way of Matt O’Riley permanently moving to Marseille, given the midfielder’s evident joy playing in the south of France.
Before his loan to Les Olympiens, O’Riley was convinced that his future was with Brighton after only joining the club in August 2024.
Yet, fast forward more than a year later and O’Riley is closing in on a permanent transfer to Marseille after an impressive loan spell.
Roberto De Zerbi is a big fan of the Dane and it seems to be only a matter of time until the number 17 becomes a mainstay at the Orange Velodrome.
Marseille eager to get deal over the line in January as other Ligue 1 clubs take note of O’Riley’s brilliance
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 25-year-old’s rapid rise in the south of France has caught the attention of many of the top clubs in Ligue 1.
The ex-Celtic man is familiar with transfer attention with O’Riley being pursued by Sunderland and Juventus last summer.
His services will not come cheap though, with former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown exclusively telling Football Insider O’Riley will cost around £30million.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast over the Seagulls’ open stance on letting the Fulham academy graduate go, I explained:
“I think there’s a few other Ligue 1 clubs looking at O’Riley.
“So yes, I think the player is happy there. It seems that Brighton would be happy to let him move away on a permanent as well.”
Brighton unwilling to part with Jack Hinshelwood as Nottingham Forest circle
Whilst one Seagull should be able to leave the Amex Stadium without any quarrels, Fabian Hurzeler will stop another one of his prized youngsters from leaving anytime soon.
Sources told Football Insider that Brighton will block any approaches from Nottingham Forest for Jack Hinshelwood.
The 20-year-old has overcome bouts of injury during his career on the south coast, but is viewed as the future of the club.
Therefore, the Garibaldi will almost certainly have to retract their interest in the Englishman and turn their focus elsewhere, in regards to bolstering their midfield.