Matt O'Riley seals Celtic Scottish record transfer exit as 'special' Brighton recruit lavished with praise by new boss

Celtic have banked a Scottish record transfer fee as Matt O'Riley completed his move to English Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion.

The midfielder was a wanted man throughout the summer with the likes of Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan and Southampton tracking the star - while Atalanta saw saw five bids knocked back by the Scottish Premiership champions before the Serie A side moved on. The knock back for the Europa League winners cleared the path for the Seagulls to seal O'Riley on a five-year-deal with Celtic banking an initial £25million fee while will rise to £30million,eclipsing the £25million they sold Kieran Tierney to Arsenal for.

Celtic said in a statement: "We can confirm Matt O'Riley has joined English Premier League side, Brighton & Hove Albion. Everyone at Celtic FC would like to thank Matt for his vast contribution and efforts for the club. Best of luck and thank you, Matt."

It brings the curtain down on the Danish international's two and half years in Glasgow's east end. During his time at the Hoops, the 23-year-old lifted three Premiership titles, two Scottish Cup and the League Cup. Speaking after the move was sealed, boss Fabian Hurzeler said: “He plays a very specialist position; he is very good at occupying and attacking the right space. He likes making deep runs, and know when to attack at the right time.

“He enjoys getting forward and attacking the opponent's penalty area, but he also has a good defensive instinct. That balance makes him special. He is a great character, and has a good ambition to succeed and that's something which is very important for us.”

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