Everton's Midfield Ambitions: The Matt O'Riley Pursuit

Everton is on the hunt for a new midfielder, and Matt O'Riley from Brighton is at the top of their wishlist. This summer, the Toffees are planning to bolster their squad, with new owners ready to back the team financially. The departure of several players is expected, creating room for new signings. O'Riley, a 24-year-old Danish player, joined Brighton last summer for a hefty fee of £25 million from Celtic. His debut season in the Premier League was challenging. He suffered a serious ankle injury early on, which sidelined him for much of the season. Despite this, he managed to play in 21 games, scoring two goals and providing two assists. Everton is eager to secure O'Riley, but there's a catch. Brighton might not be willing to let him go. The Seagulls believe he has the potential to make a significant impact in the upcoming 2025/26 season. Brendan Rodgers, his former manager, has praised O'Riley, describing him as "phenomenal. " His addition to Everton could bring much-needed creativity and goal-scoring ability to their midfield. Everton is also looking to fill the void left by Abdoulaye Doucoure, whose contract expires this summer. While they have secured Charly Alcaraz on a permanent deal, more midfield additions are on the agenda. The team is preparing to move into their new stadium, the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and strengthening the squad is a top priority. O'Riley's stats from the 2024/25 season show he played in 12 games, starting 11, and accumulated 949 minutes on the field. His contributions were modest, with two goals and two assists. However, his potential is clear, and Everton is hopeful that he can reach greater heights with them. The transfer window is set to be busy for Everton. With new ownership and a new stadium on the horizon, the team is looking to make significant changes. The pursuit of Matt O'Riley is just one piece of their larger plan to build a stronger, more competitive squad.