Where will Maty Ryan be playing next season? Ranking the Socceroo star's likely destinations

Josh Thomas

Where will Maty Ryan be playing next season? Ranking the Socceroo star's likely destinations image

Australian goalkeeper Maty Ryan enjoyed a turbulent 2020-21 season at club level and he'll be desperate for more stability moving forward. 

Ryan, who is contracted to Brighton until 2022, was sensationally dropped by Graham Potter at the Seagulls late last year and ultimately moved to Arsenal on loan. 

Though a dream move for the boyhood Gunners fan, the Socceroo made just three appearances for Mikel Arteta's side as he played second fiddle to Bernd Leno. 

With World Cup qualifying heating up, the 29-year-old needs to be playing regularly at club level and he's facing a big decision on his club future in the coming weeks. 

Here's where we think Ryan could be playing next season...

1. Celtic

With former Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou taking over at the Scottish giants this month, a move to the Hoops would make plenty of sense for Ryan. 

While the Scottish Premiership is a step down from the Premier League, Celtic are likely to compete in Europe in some capacity this season offering the Aussie a great chance to test himself in a continental competition.

The Hoops, meanwhile, would be getting an upgrade between the sticks in the form of Ryan, whose ability with the ball at the feet is key to Postecoglou's style of play.

Recent reports suggest Celtic are keen to strike a deal for Ryan and have even offered the Socceroo their No.1 shirt to boost their chances. 

Brighton's asking price could loom as one hurdle for the Hoops - though rumours suggest they are only asking for around $5-9 million to let Ryan leave. 

2. Arsenal

Despite making just three starts for the Gunners while there on loan, Ryan impressed on and off the pitch at the Emirates

Arsenal have repeatedly been linked with possibly bringing the Aussie back permanently but he'd still likely only be used as a back-up keeper.

Though Leno has struggled to impress over the past year, Arteta is reportedly eyeing another first-choice goalie with Andre Onana and Aaron Ramsdale seemingly in his sights. 

Where all that leaves Ryan is unclear with the Socceroo no doubt eager for plenty more game time next season considering he is in the prime of his career. 

Maty Ryan Arsenal 2021

3. Brighton

Ryan is still contracted to the Seagulls until 2022 so a return can't be ruled out just yet. 

Prior to last season, he was a fan favourite and solid performer between the sticks until Potter made it clear he viewed Robert Sanchez as the better of the two. 

Ryan then didn't do himself any favours when discussing his loan move to Arsenal with fans quick to slam his comments

Potter's own future is up in the air however, with Everton and Tottenham reportedly circling, so Ryan going back to Brighton and fighting for his spot remains a real possibility. 

4. La Liga

While Ryan's time in Spain with Valencia between 2015 and 2017 wasn't a resounding success, he did pick up some Spanish as a result. 

Now a much better keeper, his bilingual ability can't be discounted as he showed during his debut for Arsenal as he effectively communicated with a multicultural back-line.

A return to La Liga could therefore make plenty of sense with the likes of Real Betis or Real Sociedad potentially good fits for Ryan.

Josh Thomas