It emerged on Thursday evening that Leeds United were closing in on their eleventh signing of the summer transfer window, but actually, their first loan addition.
Facundo Buonanotte was supposed to travel to Leeds on Thursday ahead of putting pen to paper on a loan deal at Elland Road. Graham Smyth reports, though, that Buonanotte is travelling to Leeds today.
The 20-year-old playmaker has caught the eye in the Premier League over the last two seasons, after Brighton signed him from Argentine side Rosario Central for a fee of £7m, back in January 2023.
Daniel Farke wanted an attacking player that can play in numerous positions and Buonanotte fits the bill, able to operate as a winger or a 10 – even as a second striker. He is now set to sign for Leeds on loan.
Fabian Hurzeler comments on Facundo Buonanotte this week
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler gave a press conference on Thursday ahead of Brighton’s clash against Man City, and hinted that Buonanotte would be leaving on loan amid reports Leeds were close.
Brighton have always wanted Buonanotte to join a Premier League club on loan, despite interest from both Dortmund and Lyon this summer. Hurzeler said he will remain a Brighton player, long-term.
“We have a very transparent exchange with him. It’s so important that they have minutes where they can improve. So we have to think about if the right club is here, or a loan where he gets more game minutes.
“I can say we’re very happy that he’s a Brighton player. No matter where he will be this season, long-term we will see him here as a player for us.” When asked if a loan is likely, Hurzeler added: “It’s an option, yes.”
Will Facundo Buonanotte be available to play against Newcastle?
Premier League rules state that a club must register a player at midday the working day before a game. That means Buonanotte would have to be registered at midday today, to face Newcastle on Saturday.
Had Buonanotte’s initial travel plans come to pass, and he arrived in Yorkshire on Thursday, there may have been a chance of Buonanotte being available for gaffer Farke ahead of Saturday evening’s clash.
But with Buonanotte only travelling on Friday and the deadline at midday, the chances are that he will be in the Elland Road stands to watch on, and his debut will come after the September international break.
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