Leeds United have been delivered an unexpected boost in the final weeks of the transfer window in the form of another number 10.
Daniel Farke has always employed a no.10 at Elland Road, playing in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The first season saw Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter chop and change in the 10 role, before Brenden Aaronson made his return.
In pre-season, Leeds have played a 4-3-3 formation, with Ethan Ampadu moving into a quarterback role and playing two eights alongside him, and the lack of a no.10 role has been noticed.
But now, it appears Leeds could soon bring in a solid no.10 with Premier League experience.
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Facundo Buonanotte is expected to leave Brighton this window
Fabrizio Romano reported that Leeds target Facundo Buonanotte was not involved in Brighton’s squad yesterday for their clash against Fulham.
This is because he is expected to leave before the end of the window, with other clubs including Borussia Dortmund battling for the player’s signature.
Ben Jacobs has also reported Leeds’ interest in the Argentine ace after his loan return from Leicester where he played alongside Bilal El Khannouss, another Leeds target, and the pair were arguably the only bright sparks in a dismal season.
Leeds have tried to sign Buonanotte before, during the 2024 summer window and Farke may be hoping this will be second time lucky.
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Facundo Buonanotte stats and Lionel Messi comparison
In the 2024-25 season, Facundo Buonanotte spent the campaign on loan at Leicester City from Brighton & Hove Albion.
He had a productive season, scoring 5 goals and providing 2 assists in 31 Premier League appearances. His performance stats indicate an attacking presence, with a total of 36 shots and 25 chances created.
He demonstrated his dribbling ability with 28 successful dribbles. On the defensive side, he made 32 tackles, showing his all-around contribution. His contributions helped Leicester in their Premier League campaign.
Buonanotte has also been likened to Lionel Messi in the past by Carlos Tevez who was the manager of Rosario Central when Buonanotte broke into the first team of the Argentinian side at the age of just 17.
Speaking to Rosario3, Tevez said: “When he brakes and accelerates he reminds me of Messi.
“I haven’t seen a boy play like that for a long time, that gives me so much pleasure, and that I watch a lot of football.”
If Leeds manage to land Buonanotte, he truly could be a huge boost to their hopes of staying up this season.
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