Juventus eyeing move for ex-Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley

Last summer, English Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion secured the signing of the Danish midfielder from Celtic in a transfer initially valued at £25 million, with performance-related bonuses that could raise the fee to £30 million.

Just minutes into his first appearance for Fabian Hurzeler’s men, the 24-year-old had to be taken off the pitch on a stretcher.

O’Riley featured in 23 matches in his debut season with the south coast club, but a transfer before the window slams shut at the end of this month remains a possibility.

Sky Sports Italy reports that Juventus have their sights set on O’Riley, but they must prioritise offloading players before pursuing a deal.

During his impressive two-and-a-half-year spell at Celtic, O’Riley made 124 appearances for the Hoops.

This news comes after O’Riley recently expressed his dissatisfaction with Brighton boss Hurzeler for deploying him in an unfamiliar role last season.

In June, while on international duty with Denmark, the former Celtic midfielder made it clear in an interview where he feels most comfortable playing for the Seagulls.

O’Riley said: “I’m just giving my opinion. It makes it difficult to show off when you play a position you’re not completely happy with.”

“I can play better for the team if I play the number 8 position, but I can play well in other positions. You can say it in a way that is not aggressive. If you are honest with another person, you don’t lose anything. The coach can always say he doesn’t agree.”

“I’ve become better at defending myself, being more aggressive and intense in duels,” O’Riley added. “My coach said I should work on my defensive attitude so that I could defend better and help the team in that way. I think that will also help on the national team.”

“I’m best at the number eight position, where I can go box to box. I’ve only played two games there, otherwise, I’ve been used as a winger, false number nine, or something else.”

Conor Spence