As of 17 September 2026, Matt O’Riley’s long-term future at Brighton & Hove Albion is still unsettled. This update pulls together the confirmed facts of a turbulent twelve months that took the midfielder from first-choice signing to Marseille loanee and back to a fringe figure at the Amex Stadium.
O’Riley remains under contract with Brighton until June 2029, so there is no immediate danger of losing him for nothing. But his own words about his career, set out below, have kept the exit question alive among supporters.
Matt O’Riley Brighton Future: September 2026 Situation
Brighton signed O’Riley from Celtic for around £25million in August 2024, making him one of the club’s marquee midfield additions of that summer. Two years on, his path through the club has been far from smooth.
A loan spell away from the Amex last season and a limited return under Fabian Hürzeler have left his role in the current squad unclear. Nothing has changed on the contract front: O’Riley is tied to Brighton for almost three more years, whatever happens with his playing time.
Difficult First Season at Amex Stadium
O’Riley’s move from Celtic carried real expectation given the size of the fee involved. Instead, his time at Brighton has been marked by struggle rather than the smooth integration many fans hoped for.
That difficult spell set the scene for what followed: a temporary departure that offered O’Riley a fresh start away from the Amex, even if only for half a season.
Marseille Loan and Amex Recall
Brighton sent O’Riley out on loan to Marseille for the first half of last season. He responded well, recording two goals and five assists across domestic and European competition during his time in France.
Those numbers were enough to prompt Brighton to recall him in February. Since returning to the Amex, though, O’Riley has made only four appearances under Hürzeler, a sharp drop from his regular football in Ligue 1.
Is Matt O’Riley Leaving Brighton?
No transfer has been agreed, and O’Riley remains a Brighton player under contract until 2029. He has, however, made clear he would welcome a move away, telling reporters he is open to experiencing new clubs and countries.
“I’m very open to trying all sorts,” O’Riley said, addressing his future directly for the first time since his Marseille loan ended.
He also pointed to lifestyle factors that could shape any decision. “I also like sunshine. Vitamin D is a good friend of mine, so whenever I can get closer to that,” he added.
Media reports have previously linked Juventus, Napoli and Everton with interest in O’Riley, though none of those links has translated into a confirmed bid. According to reports, Celtic also hold a 10 per cent sell-on clause covering any profit Brighton make from a future sale, which would factor into any negotiation.
Given his limited game time under Hürzeler and his own comments, a move before his contract runs out looks plausible. But as things stand, no club has made a confirmed approach, and Brighton have given no public indication that O’Riley is for sale.
What Happens Next for O’Riley and Brighton
For now, O’Riley’s situation is a waiting game. He remains contracted, he remains open to a fresh challenge, and Brighton have not confirmed any plan to sell him.
His lack of minutes since returning from Marseille raises questions about where he fits among Hürzeler’s attacking options under Hürzeler, and whether a squad rebalance is needed before the transfer window closes again. The club’s wider recruitment approach, including Brighton’s long-term transfer model, will likely shape whether O’Riley is judged to be surplus to requirements or simply short of match sharpness.
Fans wanting the full context behind O’Riley’s comments can revisit our original coverage of Matt O’Riley’s comments. Until a formal approach materialises, the honest answer is that O’Riley is not currently leaving Brighton, but he has not ruled it out either.
