Sky Sports: European giants eyeing move for Brighton midfielder

What makes this situation intriguing is O’Riley’s limited role under Fabian Hurzeler. Brighton invested heavily to secure him from Celtic in 2024, yet opportunities have remained surprisingly restricted. Being an unused substitute against Newcastle only intensified questions regarding his standing within the squad.

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There remains a feeling that Brighton possess a player of considerable quality who has not yet been fully unleashed in the Premier League. “Champions League pedigree” carries weight for clubs competing on multiple fronts, and Atletico clearly believe there is more to come from him.

Brighton now face an important decision. Retain faith in a gifted midfielder or risk seeing another European club unlock his full potential.

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This report may create equal measures of frustration and concern. Brighton Fans have barely seen Matt O’Riley establish any rhythm since arriving from Celtic, yet Europe’s elite continue to recognise his quality. Atletico Madrid’s persistence says plenty about the player’s reputation.

Brighton supporters understand the club’s recruitment model better than most. Talented players arrive, develop and often move on for significant profit. However, many fans will feel O’Riley has not even been given the platform to show exactly why Brighton spent over £25m to bring him to the south coast.

There is also a wider concern around squad management. Brighton’s midfield already contains technical players capable of controlling possession, but O’Riley offers creativity, composure and European experience that should arguably make him central rather than peripheral. Six appearances from 14 Premier League matches since January recall hardly suggests complete trust.

Supporters may also wonder whether the tactical demands under Fabian Hurzeler are limiting expressive midfielders. Brighton have built their recent identity around intelligent attacking football, and O’Riley appears naturally suited to that philosophy.

Atletico’s interest should perhaps act as reassurance rather than alarm. It confirms Brighton recruited a player with genuine top level pedigree. The challenge now is ensuring Brighton benefit from those qualities before another European heavyweight does.