Leeds United need to make some big signings in the summer transfer window and a playmaker should be top of Daniel Farke’s wishlist.
The transfer window is edging closer and a laundry list of names has already been linked with a move to Leeds United.
It’s bound to be a hectic summer as Daniel Farke whips his squad into shape for their return to the Premier League.
The cruel fates of Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton this season show Leeds not only have to spend big money, but do so wisely.
Thankfully, it appears Leeds will have a big budget in the transfer window and they’ll need it with several positions in need of strengthening.
Goalkeeper is the biggest priority given Illan Meslier’s fall from grace but a new playmaker is equally important after Brenden Aaronson’s underwhelming season.
The American did score nine goals and was fit for every single game, qualities that make him a useful squad player, but he wasn’t creative enough in the Championship, let alone the top flight.
Of Leeds’ 95 goals last season, Aaronson set up just two. It’s obvious a more inventive and clinical playmaker will be needed for the Premier League and Facundo Buonanotte might be the answer.
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Leeds United should target Facundo Buonanotte in summer transfer window
Even if Leeds can spend over £100m, that still doesn’t stretch as far as it used to these days and the loan market will inevitably have to be utilised.
To that end, Brighton’s Buonanotte could be a perfect addition to bolster Farke’s attacking arsenal.
The Argentine appeared to be Brighton’s latest diamond in the dirt when he arrived in 2023 but had to go out on loan to Leicester City for some guaranteed minutes.
Despite being in a terrible side that went eight games without scoring, Buonanotte still managed to contribute six goals and three assists across 32 games.
It might not sound like much but it works out at 22.5% of Leicester’s 40 goals in the league and FA Cup. If he had that rate at Leeds this past season, he’d have 21 goal contributions to his name.
Buonanotte is still just 20 and has a lot of developing to do but already has a good amount of Premier League experience and has proven he can help even a hapless team score.
Imagine what he could do in a much more attacking side like Leeds.
Buonanotte reminds Carlos Tevez of Lionel Messi
If Buonanotte’s performances this season don’t get you excited, then surely the highest possible praise from Carlos Tevez will.
Tevez was the playmaker’s manager at CA Rosario Central before he made the move to Brighton and was left massively impressed by his performances.
Speaking in 2022, as reported by journalist Roy Nemer, Tevez said on Buonanotte: “I watch football and it’s been a long time since I’ve seen someone play who gives me as much pleasure as Buonanotte.
“When he brakes and accelerates, he reminds me of [Lionel] Messi. He is at a very high level.”
Buonanotte might be the perfect Aaronson replacement and Leeds could get him on the cheap in a loan deal.
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