What Facundo Buonanotte will bring to Leeds United as statement confirms transfer
Leeds United welcomed their first January signing through the door on Thursday.
Leeds United have highlighted the versatility and set-piece quality of Facundo Buonanotte following confirmation of his loan signing from Brighton and Hove Albion.
The YEP reported on Thursday morning that Leeds were set to sign the Argentinian five months after missing out on him to Chelsea. Elland Road chiefs booked a private jet to fly Buonanotte up from Brighton in August but he opted for Stamford Bridge, where regular football has been hard to come by.
Leeds moved quickly to finalise the deal, which included Buonanotte’s Chelsea loan being terminated early, and confirmed their first senior arrival of the summer on Thursday afternoon. The 21-year-old has been registered in time to make the matchday squad for Fulham on Saturday, should manager Daniel Farke pick him.
A statement from Leeds read: “Leeds United are delighted to announce the arrival of Facundo Buonanotte on a loan deal until the end of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign. The Whites have secured the services of the Argentinian international for the remainder of the season, joining from fellow top-flight side Brighton & Hove Albion.
“Beginning his career in his home nation with Rosario Central where he made 32 appearances, the Seagulls moved swiftly to bring Buonanotte to England shortly after he turned 18-years-old. He then featured regularly at the AMEX Stadium by playing 50 times across all competitions, before heading out on loan for further experience.
“Last season, he made a temporary switch to Leicester City and was a standout player in a struggling Foxes side, playing 35 times across all competitions, scoring six times and assisting on three occasions. The forward, who now has over 125 first team appearances under his belt, has been on loan Chelsea during the first half of this season, featuring eight times for the West London outfit.
“Buonanotte now arrives at Elland Road with experience of playing in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Europa League and at international level as well after earning two caps for Argentina against Indonesia and El Salvador. His versatility across the forward line has seen the left footed 21-year-old play in central areas behind the striker, on the right or left wing, dropping deeper as needed, and also taking set-pieces.
“Everyone at Leeds United would like to welcome Facundo to the club and we look forward to seeing him in action for Daniel Farke’s side.”