Roma have opened negotiations with Premier League side Brighton over a move for, Matt O’Riley, but the Seagulls have valued the midfielder at $35 million.
Will Roma Sign Matt O’Riley?
The Serie A side are looking to bolster their squad in the upcoming transfer window and are reportedly setting their sights on Brighton midfielder, Matt O’Riley.
The Norwegian international has continued to improve during his time in the United Kingdom, beginning his professional career with Fulham before being released and joining MK Dons.
After an impressive spell in Milton Keynes, Celtic triggered his release clause and the midfielder joined the Scottish giants in January 2022 – making 124 appearances for the Bhoys and contributing to 62 goals.
O’Reilly enjoyed a fruitful spell with the Scottish side winning multiple league titles and Scottish cups, including a monumental treble in the 2022/23 season.
His displays with Celtic caught the attention of several Premier League sides and in August 2024, the 24-year-old joined Brighton for around $31m.
Since joining the Seagulls, O’Riley has made 23 appearances while also becoming a regular member of the Danish national side – despite multiple injuries.
Roma are said to be heavily interested in the Brighton star, but are looking for a decrease in the English sides’ asking price as the Seagulls have priced O’Riley at around $35m, possibly even $40m.
The Italian side would need to offload some star names to fund such a deal, which may come through the imminent exit of Tammy Abraham who has been linked with a $25m move to Leeds United.
Gian Piero Gasperini recently left Atalanta to become the new Roma manager and the veteran coach may be looking to add his own players in the early stages of this summer’s transfer window.
Would Matt O’Riley Leave Premier League?
Matt O’Riley’s deal in England does not expire until June 2029, meaning Brighton will be fairly strong in negotiations and may be unwilling to drop down from the original asking price.
The Seagulls have notoriously signed players to then sell on for huge profit later down the line, with Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo being prime examples.
At this current moment in time Brighton are outsiders to finish in the top four next season on the best betting apps and O’Riley may be looking to join a side with more European prestige.
Another key factor is the fact Roma will be competing in the Europa League next season and Brighton just missed out on European qualification by finishing eighth last season.
There has not been any contact from a Premier League side over O’Riley’s current situation and if the Norwegian does decide to move on then Rome appears to be the most likely destination.
