Matt O’Riley Set for Marseille Move as Brighton Loan Nears Completion

Midfielder Matt O’Riley is close to joining Olympique Marseille on loan from Brighton. The move is happening in the final hours of the summer transfer window. The deal is almost done after O’Riley agreed to terms. Earlier, he was planning to move to Juventus, but that didn’t work out.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Olympique Marseille is about to add Matt O’Riley to their team. The two clubs are nearly finished with the loan agreement. O’Riley accepted the terms. The 24-year-old Danish international had talks with Juventus to replace Douglas Luiz. But after the deal with the Italian club collapsed, Marseille acted quickly to bring him in for the 2025/26 season, which kicks off next week against Rennes.

WHY O’RILEY TO MARSEILLE?

Marseille need midfield help as they finished second in Ligue 1 last season, just behind PSG, and are looking to improve from their current 10th place standing where they’ve only secured one win and two losses in three games. O’Riley offers creativity and can score goals. He impressed at both Celtic and Brighton. Last season with Brighton, he made 4 assists and scored 2 goals, though he had limited game time due to competition for spots.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR MARSEILLE AND O’RILEY?

O’Riley’s arrival comes as Marseille are set to face Lorient. Lorient have just lost 7-1 to Lille at home and will want to rebound from the tough loss. A win could move Marseille into the top half of the table. Brighton, meanwhile, have young players ready to step up but will lose some depth in midfield. Juventus, who didn’t get O’Riley, are still looking for midfielders to replace Douglas Luiz. With the transfer window closing soon, O’Riley’s move will likely be finalized shortly. Marseille hope he can help turn their season around after a slow start, as they are in need of midfield reinforcements after a mixed start to the Ligue 1 season.