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Matt O'Riley breaks his silence on Brighton loan and opens up on exit talks with teammates

Brighton midfielder Matt O'Riley has arrived in France ahead of his loan move to Marseille.

01.09.25, 14:51 Updated 22.05.26, 14:52 2 Minute Read

Charlie Parker-Turner

Charlie Parker-Turner

Brighton’s Matt O’Riley has spoken out ahead of his deadline day move to Marseille, with the midfielder revealing why he decided to join the Ligue 1 outfit. Despite struggling to hold down a regular starting spot last season, the 23-year-old attracted the attention of several European suitors this summer.

The swiftly agreed deal for O’Riley is a straight season-long loan with no option for Roberto De Zerbi’s side to buy the playmaker. Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed that O’Riley is already in Marignane ahead of completing his medical later today. 

Upon swapping the south coast for southern France, the midfielder spoke about his emotions as he prepared to put pen to paper with the Ligue 1 side, telling Adrien Pittore: “(I’m) Very happy to arrive in Marseille. The transfer happened very quickly. I spoke a lot on the phone with Roberto De Zerbi. We have the same vision of football.

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Charlie Parker-Turner

Charlie Parker-Turner Editor

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