Leeds United could be handed an unexpected opportunity to sign a player they came close to bringing to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.
Daniel Farke made no secret of his frustration with Leeds’ failure to bring in an additional forward, which has become an issue for his side in their Premier League survival bid.
Leeds received a boost in their pursuit of Harry Wilson as Fulham boss Marco Silva admitted that the Wales international has not yet agreed a new deal at Craven Cottage.
Facundo Buonanotte was another major Leeds target in the summer, as the Brighton man appeared destined to join the Whites before Leeds were gazumped by Chelsea.
However, Leeds could yet reignite their pursuit of the Argentinian forward, after a report suggested that Brighton could recall their player in January.
Who do you want Leeds to sign in January? A striker surely has to be the priority!
Leeds United could reignite Facundo Buonanotte interest
According to a report in The Athletic, Leeds could still reignite their interest in Brighton loanee Buonanotte in the January transfer window.
Buonanotte has found first-team opportunities limited since his unexpected loan switch to Stamford Bridge. As a result, Brighton may be tempted to recall him from his loan deal, reigniting hopes of a loan move to West Yorkshire.
The report states: “Facundo Buonanotte was another high-profile target Leeds missed out on in the summer window.
“The Argentinian chose to go on loan to Chelsea, but predictably, he has not featured much under Enzo Maresca.
Before adding: “If Brighton & Hove Albion did have the option to recall Buonanotte and send him out to a club where he might get more game time, Leeds would surely be interested.”
How many minutes has Facundo Buonanotte played this season?
With Chelsea’s wealth of options in attack, Buonanotte’s move to Stamford Bridge was always a perplexing transfer.
Since rejecting Leeds to join the Blues late on in the summer transfer window, Buonanotte has played just 45 minutes in the Premier League, starting Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Brentford in September.
He has enjoyed more success in Chelsea’s cup competitions, playing 89 minutes in a 2-1 EFL Cup win over Lincoln City, scoring his first and only Chelsea goal. He also played 85 minutes in a 4-3 EFL Cup win over Wolves.
Leeds United still want him, but can they sign Harry Wilson in January? 🤞
Leeds wanted Wilson in Jan.
Buonanotte has also made three appearances in the Champions League, playing a total of 163 minutes, which includes his first full 90 minutes against Ajax.
As a result, Buonanotte has played just 382 minutes in all competitions this season. He would almost certainly play more at Elland Road, should Brighton decide to recall him in the next transfer window.
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