Transfers

Leeds United ‘lead the race’ for Premier League player, they are ‘alert’ ahead of deadline day

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Leeds United are eyeing another creative player ahead of the transfer deadline, which Daniel Farke and the 49ers are keen to bring into the squad.

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke made clear he wants a winger who can play No.10. Of course, more attacking additions could be made beyond that during the final week of the transfer window.

However, Leeds are perhaps lacking a playmaker with genuine creativity to be a match-winner by conjuring up a goal or assist out of nothing.

Despite his age and inexperience, that type of profile fits that of Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte for Leeds, and he has been mentioned by various sources lately.

Brighton and Hove Albion's Facundo Buonanotte
Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images

Interest in Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte from Leeds United ramps up

Leeds United News exclusively revealed Brighton’s stance on Buonanotte and that Leeds have ‘never left the table’ this summer, with interest in his services throughout.

It’s a long-term player on their radar, with Leeds having Buonanotte interest over a year ago before he joined Leicester City on loan.

Now, recent weeks highlighted reports that Buonanotte emerged as a more serious Leeds target again. That is after it became clear this summer that Buonanotte is not in Brighton’s plans after his return from Leicester. 

Another report claimed Brighton prefer a loan to England. That stance has since been doubled down on in some more recent reports amid Lyon interest in Leeds target Buonanotte. Now, a pair of updates have since emerged.

Argentine reporter Cesar Luis Merlo states Leeds and West Ham United lead the race to land Buonanotte. He adds that several clubs are bidding for him, but the two from the Premier League are the strongest with their efforts to land him.

Ben Jacobs has added to the story further, stating that Leeds are “still alert to Buonanotte” in case a loan from Brighton opens up as a possibility in the final days of the window.

However, he adds that the 20-year-old is not their only target, having felt for much of the summer that the Brighton attacker would move to a club with European football.

There is no bid to Brighton yet, but Leeds are prepared to move if an opportunity presents itself ahead of the transfer deadline.

Valencia CF vs Aston Villa - Friendly Match
Photo by Maria Jose Segovia/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

Who else fits the attacking midfield role Daniel Farke is asking for at Leeds?

Emi Buendia and Buonanotte have been mentioned and both players fit the bill in terms of Farke’s demands, having featured regularly as wide creative players or as out-and-out No.10s more centrally in their careers.

TeamAppearancesGoalsAssists
Rosario Central3442
Brighton and Hove Albion5052
Leicester City3563
Argentina200

Carlos Tevez is reminded of Lionel Messi with Buonanotte stylistically, and he operates in similar roles to the legendary footballing figure as well.

The 20-year-old has played the vast majority of his minutes as either a right winger or central attacking midfielder. Per Transfermarkt, at least 81 games have come in those roles.