OM – O’Riley, a lightning-fast transfer sealed in 24 hours

Behind the scenes, it’s a scenario worthy of a thrilling transfer window: in less than 24 hours, Olympique de Marseille secured the signing of Matt O’Riley. Behind this last-minute loan deal with no purchase option lies a series of improbable events and fast-paced negotiations led by Mehdi Benatia.

From Rabiot’s departure to the O’Riley opportunity

It all begins when Adrien Rabiot’s move to AC Milan is confirmed. To make up for the loss of his key player, Benatia immediately targets O’Riley. First contact is made with Dominic O’Riley, the player’s father and agent, but Brighton slams the door shut: there’s no way they’ll let go of a starter expected to play at the beginning of the season. The deal seems dead in the water.

The clash that changes everything

At the end of August, the situation shifts. Left out against Manchester City, Matt O’Riley shows his frustration. Tension grows between him and his coach, Fabian Hürzeler. Fearing that the conflict could escalate and disrupt the dressing room, Brighton changes its stance and reopens the door to a departure. OM is immediately brought back into the race.

24-hour sprint

Things speed up. In just one day, the deal is wrapped up: a straight loan, with no purchase option. An unusual arrangement for the Phocaeans, but deemed necessary. Too good an opportunity to miss, all the more so because his profile resembles Rabiot’s. For Benatia, it’s a gamble, but also a way to show the responsiveness of a management team ready to pounce at the slightest chance.

A move to confirm on the pitch

Arriving in Marseille under these fast-moving circumstances, O’Riley represents both an emergency fix and a promise. Given a starting spot right away against Real Madrid, he must now prove on the field that this quick gamble can turn into a real winning move.