Alious“Brighton Break Silence on Surprise Matt O’Riley Exit After Man City Omission – Marseille Loan Explained”
Brighton have shed light on the shock deadline-day departure of Matt O’Riley, who has secured a season-long loan move to Marseille.
The Denmark international, 25, will now link up with former Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi, who guided the French giants to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 last season. O’Riley, who joined Brighton from Celtic for £25m in 2024, had looked sharp in pre-season and even started the first two Premier League games against Fulham and Everton. But his omission from the squad in last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City raised eyebrows.
Head coach Fabian Hurzeler confirmed that competition in midfield was the driving factor behind the decision, despite O’Riley’s promising start to the campaign. He explained:
“Matt has the opportunity to test himself in France and in the Champions League. While we see his long-term future at Brighton, this move ensures he gets the game time he deserves. We will track his progress closely this season and wish him well.”
O’Riley endured an injury-hit first season on the south coast, which restricted his impact. Though he returned fitter than ever and even netted against his old club Fulham in August, Hurzeler and the Brighton hierarchy decided the depth of attacking midfield options allowed them to sanction his exit.
The Seagulls had already turned down a £25m approach from Napoli earlier in the window, while Juventus, Roma, Atalanta, and Everton all explored deals. Ultimately, Marseille won the race. The emergence of Georginio Rutter as Hurzeler’s preferred No.10, along with the breakthrough form of German youngster Brajan Gruda, was also decisive.
O’Riley’s departure comes amid a major attacking reshuffle at Brighton, with Simon Adingra, Julio Enciso, Jeremy Sarmiento, and Facundo Buonanotte all moving on this summer. Hurzeler admitted that trimming the squad was essential, even if the calls were tough:
“The squad was too big to manage, and difficult choices had to be made. Hopefully, we’ve got them right.”
For Brighton, O’Riley remains a long-term asset, but for now, his challenge lies in France under a familiar coach.
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