Leeds United look set to secure their first January signing after reaching an agreement to take Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton. The 21-year-old snubbed a summer move to Elland Road in favour of joining Chelsea but after struggling to minutes, looks set to join up with Daniel Farke’s side at the second time of asking.
The YEP understands Leeds will look to get a deal wrapped up as quickly as possible, with Buonanotte himself pushing for the move having endured a difficult few months at Stamford Bridge. The Whites will finally get the creative right-winger/No.10 they wanted all summer.
Following medical tests and official confirmation of his arrival, Buonanotte will be tasked with picking his Leeds squad number. Below is a list of what is available to the Argentinian, with one seemingly obvious option.
1. No.5
The most recent number to become available having been vacated by Pascal Struijk following his £20m move to Brighton. The Dutchman spent two years with 5 on his back. | AFP via Getty Images
2. No.12
Loan signing Jaidon Anthony spent one season wearing the No.12 shirt in 2023/24 before returning to Bournemouth. It has remained unclaimed in two years since. Previous owners range from Gordon Strachan to Paul Rachubka. | Getty Images
3. No.13
Unlucky for some, and usually reserved for back-up goalkeepers - albeit neither Karl Darlow nor Alex Cairns went for it. Given up by Kristoffer Klaesson in 2024 and previously worn by Kiko Casilla. | Getty Images
4. No.16
Another to become recently available, with previous owner Illan Meslier leaving Leeds upon the expiration of his contract. Previous owners include Yosuke Ideguchi and Toumani Diagouraga.
5. No.17
Was Largie Ramazani's shirt number during the 2024/25 season but became up for grabs following the winger's summer loan move to Valencia. He could reclaim it, if staying, but that doesn't feel likely. Previously owned by Helder Costa and Alan Smith. | Getty Images
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6. No.20
Jack Harrison spent the first half of last season with No.20 on his back before joining Fiorentina on loan in January. Unlikely to be around next season and so it'll remain available. | Getty Images