Celtic Set to Profit as Napoli Prepares £25 Million Bid for Matt O’Riley

Brighton are considering a significant offer from Napoli for midfielder Matt O’Riley, potentially bringing another lucrative sale for Celtic this summer. Napoli has reportedly submitted an opening bid of £25.6 million for the 24-year-old, with Brighton open to selling if the price is acceptable.

O’Riley, who joined Brighton a year ago from Celtic, is attracting interest from Italian giants after a successful spell in Scotland, where he won six major trophies, scored 27 goals, and provided 35 assists in 124 matches. Despite a challenging start due to injury, his talent has continued to shine, drawing attention from clubs such as Atalanta and Roma.

Celtic, who paid MK Dons £1.5 million for O’Riley in January 2022, are believed to hold a 10% sell-on clause from his transfer. This could net them approximately £2.5 million to £3 million if the deal proceeds at Napoli. The move would mark a quick return to the Italian top flight for the former Fulham player.

The upcoming transfer represents a notable example of Celtic benefitting from the sale of their former players this summer, following Jeremie Frimpong’s transfer from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool for nearly £30 million. Meanwhile, Celtic are close to securing Benjamin Nygren from Nordsjaelland and are also in negotiations for Fulham’s Callum Osgood and Ross Doohan’s return from Aberdeen.

O’Riley’s move to Napoli would not only be a financial success for Celtic but also an opportunity for him to showcase his skills in Serie A, following limited appearances at Brighton due to injury. The transfer could be finalized if Napoli increases their bid to meet Brighton’s valuation.

O’Riley’s achievements include winning six major titles with Celtic, with a tally of 27 goals during his tenure.

The midfielder may leave Brighton after only a season, with Napoli interested in acquiring his services.