Former MK Dons star Matt O'Riley recalled by Brighton from Marseille loan on deadline day

Former MK Dons star Matt O’Riley has returned to Brighton and Hove Albion after his loan to Marseille was cut short.

The 25-year-old Danish international had originally moved to the South of France on a season-long loan deal struck on the summer transfer window’s deadline day in September. But an arrangement has been made for O’Riley to return to England, ending his deal with the French side prematurely.

O’Riley made 25 appearances in his loan with the French side, including 7 appearances in the Champions League. The midfielder scored once in his time with the club.

With the deal being cut short, O’Riley could make a return to the Brighton fold straight away, with the Seagulls’ next match seeing them take on their rivals Crystal Palace at the AMEX Stadium on Sunday (08/02).

The midfielder had played for Brighton before the loan deal with Marseille was made, starting in both of Brighton’s first two matches of the season and even scoring against former club Fulham on the opening day of the season.

The Seagulls’ Head coach Fabian Hurzeler said in a statement, “We’re pleased to welcome Matt back to the club. We know all about his qualities, and I have no doubt he will settle back into the group very quickly.

“He’s had a good spell with Marseille, playing regular domestic football and in the Champions League, and we believe he can positively impact the team in the second half of the season.”

O’Riley played for MK Dons for 12 months, signing for the club in January 2021 after being released by Fulham. He scored 10 goals in 54 appearances in his year playing for the Dons under Russell Martin and then Liam Manning. After impressing in his year at Stadium MK, O’Riley left in January 2022, signing for Celtic.

After winning 3 Scottish Premiership titles with Celtic and winning the club’s Player of the Year, Player’s Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards in the 2023/24 season, O’Riley signed for Brighton in August 2024 for an undisclosed fee reported at around £25million.