Leeds United lodged a bid to sign Celtic's Matt O'Riley a year ago, and his form ever since could be earning a move nearly treble the value to Brighton.

The Whites haven't had the greatest transfer window so far, with major outgoings dominating the landscape at Elland Road.

How they react to it will only be judged by who follows Largie Ramazani in the doors in these closing days of the window, having seen Georginio Rutter leave.

A PS40million deal then did not take much negotiation as the player himself yearned for another Premier League opportunity.

The Frenchman joined Fabian Hurzeler's Seagulls as one part of a resounding window of ambitious spending at the AMEX, revitalising their side under the new manager.

His debut came in a dramatic late win at home to Manchester United, a brief cameo in which Joao Pedro made it a moment to remember for Rutter, visibly delighted to be in his new surroundings.

Happy to have Aaronson and Wober back?

Previous Leeds target Matt O'Riley set to join Brighton as newest mega signing Brighton's latest transfer mission looks to be completed, that of Celtic star Matt O'Riley, fresh from a stunning 23/24 campaign where he managed 19 goals and 18 assists in all competitions:

Matt O'Riley to Brighton, here we go! Agreement sealed as reported earlier as #BHAFC complete one more massive signing.

Celtic to receive PS25m fixed fee plus add-ons up to PS30m package, record fee in Scotland.

O'Riley and Kadioglu, done deals. pic.twitter.com/fpLZmZiKNl

- Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 23, 2024 The name ought to ring a bell, given Leeds could have signed him back in the 2023 summer window as they tabled a late PS10million bid to Celtic.

Instead, the bid was turned down and Leeds' latest 'what if' transfer scenario is playing out in a frustrating way.

Leeds could have enjoyed the final third quality of Rutter and O'Riley at Elland Road if things had panned out differently last summer and in the promotion race.

Now, the PS30million-rated midfielder could be starring alongside Rutter at the AMEX, a dream transfer scenario a year ago at Leeds, looking like a grim case of a near miss.

Post