English former football player and manager Chris Sutton delivers his verdict over Matt O’Riley leaving Celtic for Brighton this summer

This week, Matt O’Riley’s move to Brighton was finalized. The midfielder from Celtic had a test at the Premier League club today.

O’Riley has signed a five-year deal with The Seagulls for a fee that will set a Scottish record. The Dane is looking to start the next part of his career.

A move to the English Premier League is the dream of many players, but Chris Sutton told what he really thinks about the midfielder’s move after seeing his old team beat St. Mirren yesterday.

He told O’Riley that he is “downgrading” from Celtic.
We talked about how Sutton praised O’Riley for how he acted while Celtic and Brighton were negotiating the £30 million deal over the weekend.

And while the former Celtic star still stands by that, he told O’Riley that the Dane has now shrunk the club.

Sutton told BBC 606 that “He’s lowering himself.” The club size is definitely getting smaller. But you know what?

“He has behaved himself very well.” Not one of those players who has screamed “move!” and thrown his toys out of the box. Great player for Celtic.

“Celtic will miss him, but they need to get new players because they have to play in the Champions League this season.” Is Matt O’Riley impossible to replace?

“I believe he is.” He’s that good. Thought it was a great move for Brighton.

Celtic will miss O’Riley.

O’Riley will be a huge loss for Celtic because of what he brings to the team both on and off the field now that the deal is done.

Denmark’s international player scored goals and set up others last season, which were very important for Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic team as they won the league and the Scottish Cup.

But when he wasn’t playing, the Celtic player was a gentleman. O’Riley is clearly very well liked in the Parkhead locker room because he inspires his friends in training.

And the way Brendan Rodgers talked about O’Riley’s skill over the weekend makes it sound like the Celtic manager really knows how much he will miss his midfielder.