Marseille already convinced to sign Matt O'Riley in permanent deal as French club line up January bid to buy him outright from Brighton

O'Riley is currently plying his trade on loan at Marseille. The midfielder enjoyed a decent season at Brighton last term, where he featured in 25 games. He had a successful stint at Celtic between 2022 and 2024 as well. Earlier this season, he was loaned out by the Premier League side to Marseille and, according to LiveFoot, his initial performances have garnered the attention of the decision-makers at the French club. Marseille did not include an option to buy him in the deal with Brighton, so Benatia is eager to enter negotiations over a transfer fee with the Seagulls in January.

Since joining Marseille in early September, the 24-year-old has played three times in the domestic league and impressed heavily in the Champions League against Ajax and Real Madrid. De Zerbi is using him primarily as a central midfielder; however, against Los Blancos, he was deployed as an attacking midfielder in a 66-minute appearance. 

O'Riley is a favourite to feature in the 2026 World Cup should Denmark qualify for the quadrennial event. Featuring in the mega event might boost his market value, but Marseille will hope to have him under a long-term contract by then.

Sitting third on the Ligue 1 table with 12 points, Marseille will take on Metz in their seventh game tomorrow, and the London-born Denmark international is expected to feature in this clash.