Huge Leeds United transfer update as 'agreement reached' for summer target to join on loan
Leeds United look set to secure the services of a summer transfer target.
Leeds United have reportedly reached a ‘verbal agreement’ to sign summer target Facundo Buonanotte on loan for the remainder of the season.
Buonanotte was close to joining Leeds in the summer, so close that Elland Road chiefs had a private jet arranged to take the attacking midfielder from Brighton to West Yorkshire. But a late hijack from Chelsea scuppered the deal and a season-long loan switch to Stamford Bridge was confirmed not long after.
Questions were raised regarding first-team chances at a Chelsea side full of attacking talent and Buonanotte has played just 45 minutes of Premier League football so far this season. But the 21-year-old could be set to improve that meagre total in the white of Leeds following reports from Fabrizio Romano of a January loan move.
In a post on X, Romano wrote: “Leeds United reach verbal agreement to sign Facundo Buonanotte! Chelsea to interrupt loan move from Brighton, leaving #CFC to return to #BHAFC and then join Leeds. Move to #LUFC will be on loan until the end of the season. Here we go, soon”.
The YEP understands a deal is close, with Leeds hoping to get it over the line as soon as possible. Furthermore, Buonanotte is believed to have been pushing for such a move having found first-team football hard to come by during his unsuccessful Chelsea loan spell, giving Elland Road chiefs confidence he wants to play a part in their survival bid between now and May.
As was the case in the summer, Leeds see Buonanotte as an ideal profile to fill the creative gap in Farke’s squad. The Argentinian is a left-footed forward who can play out wide on the right or in a more central position. He is also a reliable set-piece taker, something recruitment chiefs were looking for all summer.
Will Facundo Buonanotte be able to play against Fulham?
While Leeds are working to get a deal wrapped up for Buonanotte as soon as possible, it remains to be seen if he will be eligible this weekend. Daniel Farke’s side welcome Fulham to Elland Road on Saturday afternoon and would need to have their January signing fully registered by 12pm on Friday to have any chance.
Even if Buonanotte is fully registered by 12pm on Friday, it would still be up to Farke whether to involve the Argentinian. The Whites boss has traditionally been patient when introducing new arrivals to his matchday squad, usually requiring a few training sessions with new teammates.
Following Saturday’s meeting with Fulham, Leeds have nine days off before their trip to Everton on Monday, January 26. That might provide a more realistic opportunity for Buonanotte to make his debut if a move goes through, although a swift introduction to the matchday squad also cannot be ruled out if he’s eligible this weekend.