Leeds United were keen on Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien – but their decision not to sign him could now allow Bournemouth to swoop in.
That’s according to The Sun, who claim that Leeds actually held back from activating a release clause in O’Brien’s contract in January.
Leeds were linked with O’Brien over the summer, and it’s no great surprise that he remained on their radar for the January window.
It’s unclear just how much that release clause actually is, but it’s suggested that Leeds may have left the door open for Bournemouth.
The Cherries are allegedly looking to pay £10million for O’Brien this summer – but only if they win promotion to the Premier League.
Bournemouth went big in January by signing the likes of Nat Phillips, Todd Cantwell, Siriki Dembele and Kieffer Moore in a bid to win promotion.
The pressure is now on Scott Parker to guide Bournemouth back to the Premier League after that signing spree.
O’Brien would be seen as a player who can compete with the likes of Philip Billing, Jefferson Lerma, Ben Pearson and Lewis Cook.
The 23-year-old has been key to Huddersfield’s playoff push this season, registering two goals and two assists from midfield whilst producing tireless displays.
Hailed as ‘very special’ by Huddersfield boss and former Leeds coach Carlos Corberan, O’Brien appears to have a great future ahead of him.
Leeds seemingly feel that O’Brien would be a great fit for Marcelo Bielsa’s style; after all, he’s been working under Corberan, who was schooled by Bielsa.
With Leeds still needing midfield reinforcements come the end of the season, don’t be surprised if Leeds are linked with O’Brien again.
As things stand though, it looks like Bournemouth are hoping to jump the queue and bring the midfielder down to the Vitality Stadium this summer.
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