Matt O’Riley’s frustrations at Brighton after injury-hit debut season

Originally posted on The Celtic Star | By Peter Brown | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 3:41 AM ET

Matt O’Riley has called for role clarity as he reflects on a challenging year in the Premier League. After a high-profile move from Celtic to Brighton last summer, Matt O’Riley has offered a candid assessment of his debut season in the Premier League, admitting he’s “not completely happy” with how things have unfolded.

Brighton broke their transfer record to secure the midfielder for £26 million, making O’Riley the most expensive sale in Celtic’s history. But his first year on the south coast has been a rollercoaster marked by injuries, positional frustration, and glimpses of promise.

The 23-year-old suffered a serious ankle injury during his debut in an FA Cup tie, sidelining him for months. He later returned to action and made 23 appearances across all competitions, scoring twice and assisting three times. One of those goals came in a statement performance, sealing a memorable win over Manchester City.

Despite those highlights, O’Riley has expressed dissatisfaction with being deployed in unfamiliar roles under head coach Fabian Hurzeler. The Danish international, who shone as a No.8 at Celtic, has often been used as a winger or false nine at Brighton.

“I am not completely happy and I am just giving my opinion,” Matt O’Riley

“I am not completely happy (about playing out of position), and I am just giving my opinion,” O’Riley told Danish outlet. It makes it difficult to show off when you play a position you are not completely happy with.”

O’Riley emphasised that he’s been open with Hurzeler about his preferences, but respectful in approach: “You can say it in a way that is not aggressive… If you are honest with another person, you don’t lose anything.”

“I am best at the number eight position… I have only played two games there,” Matt O’Riley

The midfielder added that while he’s worked to improve defensively—something his manager has urged—his best performances come from a box-to-box role. “I am best at the number eight position… I have only played two games there,” he noted.

Hurzeler, for his part, has spoken positively about O’Riley’s qualities, particularly during a late-season run of starts. “He has a special profile… an area where you create chances, you score goals,” the coach said. “I’m sure he can help us,” the Brighton boss said.

Brighton narrowly missed out on European qualification, but with a full pre-season ahead, both player and club will hope for a clearer path forward.