Matt O’Riley Addresses Juventus Transfer Interest After Private Chat With Brighton Boss

Matt O’Riley insists he’s happy at Brighton amid reported £30million interest from Juventus this window.

The former Celtic midfielder, 24, joined the Seagulls back in January but took some time to really find his stride following what was a difficult start at the Amex.

O’Riley suffered a brutal injury on his debut against Crawley Town in the cup but has since roared back to play a starring role for the club.

That included his penalty strike from the spot against Fulham on the opening day of the new Premier League season before Marco Silva’s visitors nicked a late, dramatic point thanks to Rodrigo Muniz.

Matt O’Riley wants a Brighton stay despite Juventus transfer interest

O’Riley’s previous wait to become a regular at Brighton under manager Fabian Hurzeler allowed other clubs to keep a close eye on the playmaker and that sparked transfer interest from Serie A.

Atalanta remain keen after losing out to Brighton to sign the Danish international in the first place. AS Roma have also been linked with a move for the creative.

But it is Juve who have had the most concrete interest, as reported in Italy, and they are believed to have even lodged a bid of around £30m to land him this summer window.

That was the fee Brighton spent to take the player from Parkhead and would see the EPL outfit recoup their cash.

However O’Riley has now had his say on the links and claimed to be in the dark regarding an exit from his current side.

What O’Riley told Brighton about transfer desire

He also implied that he was more than happy to stick around and do the business in blue and white, as opposed to black with The Old Lady.

Speaking after netting on matchday one, O’Riley was asked about his plans, and he said: “I’m very happy here.

“I’m having fun. That’s all I know at the moment. I did go to Fabian in pre-season to reiterate I am here as a Brighton player to help the team as much as possible.

“I was aware that there was a lot of noise around me and I think that helps just settle the situation in general.”

Speaking on his spot-kick duties for the team, O’Riley explained why he was taking the strike against the Cottagers.

He added: “We have got a few takers. If Danny’s on the pitch as well he can take them, I have respect for him.

“If he wanted to take it, that is fine.”