Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed the return of midfielder Matt O’Riley from his season-long loan at Olympique de Marseille, with the 25-year-old set to bolster the Seagulls’ squad for the remainder of the Premier League season.
The Danish international’s spell in Ligue 1 was ended by mutual agreement between the two clubs, cutting short an arrangement that had been scheduled to run until the summer.
O’Riley made a total of 25 appearances for Marseille across all competitions, contributing one goal and six assists under the management of former Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi.
Despite being a regular, with 15 league appearances and 739 minutes of Ligue 1 action, his involvement was often intermittent amid strong competition for places.
His final weeks at the club saw limited playing time, including substitute appearances and spells as an unused substitute following Marseille’s exit from the Champions League at the league phase stage.
The decision to recall O’Riley was driven by Brighton’s desire to strengthen their midfield options for the second half of the campaign.
Having already played for two clubs this season, Premier League and FIFA regulations render him ineligible for a third move, meaning he will remain with the Seagulls.
Brighton’s head coach, Fabian Hurzeler, welcomed the midfielder back, stating, “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 initially joined Brighton from Celtic in August 2024 for a reported £25 million.
He featured in Brighton’s first two Premier League matches of the current season, memorably scoring a penalty in a 1-1 draw with Fulham on the opening day, before his loan move to France was finalized on the summer transfer deadline day.
His return adds depth and versatility to Brighton’s midfield, an area where Hurzeler has noted there is already significant competition.