Celtic agree to sell Matt O'Riley to Brighton for Scottish transfer record

Celtic have agreed a deal with Brighton and Hove Albion for midfielder Matt O’Riley in a transfer set to break the Scottish transfer record.

The move is set to become the most expensive transfer in Scottish football history, which currently stands at £25m following Jota’s move from Celtic to Al Ittihad in 2023.

O’Riley, who scored 19 goals and contributed 18 assists last season, has played in all three of Celtic’s games so far this campaign.

The 23-year-old Denmark international has made 124 appearances for the club in total, scoring 27 goals and contributing 35 assists.

Celtic had previously rejected five bids for the midfielder, who was under contract at Celtic until 2027.

It is understood there is confidence on all sides that the deal will be completed this weekend.

Brendan Rodgers recently praised O’Riley for his conduct amidst all the speculation, saying he was “committed and professional”.

“I think we all understand, the people close to Celtic understand the model Celtic works to,” Rodgers said last month, when asked about the player’s future in Glasgow.

“Matt’s been at the club for three years. He’s developed into the player he has and he knows the privilege it is to play for Celtic.

“Of course, naturally, how it works is the player gets that opportunity to move on.”