Eventually loaning Aaron Mooy from Huddersfield for the upcoming season, it’s clear Brighton & Hove Albion were looking for a midfielder prior towards the end of the window.
The Australia international will likely serve Graham Potter well at Amex Stadium next year, yet there is a belief the Seagulls went all out to sign someone other than the former Manchester City player.
That man was Atalanta’s Remo Freuler, as Gazzetta dello Sport claim that €25m were put forward from Brighton for the Switzerland international, but the transfer never materialised.
At least, that’s what the Italian newspaper claim, as the 27-year-old is seen as an ‘indisputable starter’ for the Serie A club, who will be playing Champions League football this season after finishing third in the previous campaign.
That’s no slight on Brighton, it’s just a fair point to make considering where the two teams stand in their respective leagues going into the new season.