Brighton hand Leeds United a massive boost in race to sign Bilal El Khannouss’ 24-25 teammate

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On what seemed a quiet Thursday, reports of Leeds United’s work in the transfer window quickly emerged as the club looks to finally end a drought of signings since Lucas Perri’s arrival.

Other than a few links to a few players, Leeds have not done much since Igor Paixao chose to join Marseille. A meeting was held with Bilal El Khannouss’ camp but aside from that, not much to report.

Then, Mateo Joseph’s loan move to Mallorca was quickly followed by reported interest in Liverpool’s Ben Doak. Interest in Brighton’s Argentine playmaker Facundo Buonanotte has emerged at the same time.

A player Leeds have been linked with before. It has been deemed ambitious and unlikely with Borussia Dortmund supposedly interested in El Khannouss’ Leicester teammate last season, after a loan spell.

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Now, Leeds have received a huge Facundo Buonanotte boost

Amid the initial reports that Leeds were trailing Dortmund in a move for the South American no.10, a move seemed as though it would depend on the German giants. Now, an update from Germany.

Sky Germany’s Patrick Berger reports that Dortmund have seen a bid rejected for Buonanotte. Dortmund attempted to sign Buonanotte on loan with an option to buy, but the bid has been rejected by Brighton.

Furthermore, Berger reports that actually, Brighton would much prefer to loan Buonanotte to a Premier League club. Likely to push his value as high as possible with most eyes on England’s top tier of football.

“Dortmund are in talks with Brighton for Facundo Buonanotte. The latest offer has been rejected. Tried a loan with an option to buy. Brighton are open to a loan, but prefer to send to another club in England.”

Facundo Buonanotte and Brenden Aaronson’s PL numbers

Buonanotte is still only 20 and yet, is quickly becoming a household name in Premier League circles. A move to land the Argentine would see him come in as competition for Brenden Aaronson, in the 10 role.

It is unclear if Leeds will actually play a 4-2-3-1 system, with Daniel Farke using a 4-3-3 for much of the pre-season campaign. A holding midfielder, and two eights. Aaronson and Buonanotte can drop deep.

But if Leeds go off the duo’s Premier League stats, there is only one winner. Buonanotte has been much better in England’s top tier, and is more experienced, yet younger. A real coup if Leeds can get him in.