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Brighton’s Buonanotte Emerging as Bayer’s Transfer Option

Bayer Leverkusen’s quest to strengthen their attacking options on the right wing has taken an intriguing turn, with Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte now firmly on their radar. According to Kicker, the Argentine attacker, who spent last season on loan at Leicester City, is being considered as an alternative to AS Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche.

The club’s offensive reshuffle comes after the high-profile departure of Florian Wirtz to Liverpool. Kicker notes, “It will be the key transfer in the end. The signing of a dribbling and creative attacking player and his quality will ultimately determine how this transfer summer is to be assessed from Leverkusen’s point of view.” This statement underlines just how pivotal the club considers this position in shaping their upcoming season.

Buonanotte as a Viable Alternative

Bayer’s preferred target remains 23-year-old Akliouche from Monaco. However, the Monegasque club’s valuation of over 50 million euros has proven prohibitive. Kicker reports, “A limit that, according to managing director Simon Rolfes, will not be crossed.” With such financial constraints, Leverkusen are naturally exploring alternative options, and Buonanotte’s profile fits the requirements.

Brighton, meanwhile, are clear on their position. The 20-year-old is unlikely to find regular game time under Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler this season. Last season, on loan at Leicester, he featured in 31 Premier League games, scoring five goals and assisting twice. As Kicker observes, “Deshalb möchte Brighton ihn entweder verleihen oder teuer verkaufen. Zuletzt wurden in England 45 Millionen Euro als Ablöseforderung für den argentinischen Nationalspieler (zwei Einsätze) genannt.” This valuation reflects both his current ability and potential growth.

Profile and Potential

Buonanotte brings a combination of pace, dribbling, and creative playmaking. As a left-footed attacker capable of shaping the game, he ticks many of the boxes Bayer require. Kicker highlights, “Anders als Akliouche erscheint Buonanotte früher greifbar.” This immediacy may prove decisive, as Leverkusen need a player who can integrate quickly and make an immediate impact.

While Akliouche remains the dream signing, Buonanotte presents a more accessible option. His blend of talent, youth, and versatility makes him a compelling alternative, particularly for a team looking to mitigate the loss of a key player like Wirtz. Bayer’s strategy this summer will hinge on this decision, with Buonanotte potentially stepping into the spotlight.

Transfer Outlook

With the transfer window ticking down, timing will be crucial. If Bayer can negotiate effectively with Brighton, Buonanotte could arrive as an instant boost, offering creativity and dynamism in the half-right offensive role. Given his proven Premier League experience, even at a young age, he may be exactly the type of player Leverkusen need to maintain momentum after losing Wirtz.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Brighton supporter’s perspective, Buonanotte’s potential move is a mixed bag. On one hand, Fabian Hurzeler’s vision for Brighton involves nurturing young talent, and losing a player like Buonanotte, who has already tasted the rigours of the Premier League, may seem premature. He contributed five goals and two assists in 31 appearances for Leicester, which demonstrates that he can handle top-flight football.

On the other hand, the reported 45 million euro valuation underlines Brighton’s intent to make strategic reinvestments. Hurzeler is preparing for his second season in charge, and part of that will involve balancing squad development with financial pragmatism. Selling or loaning Buonanotte for such a fee could strengthen Brighton’s ability to bring in multiple targets and ensure squad depth across the season.

Fans may also note that Buonanotte’s style – dribbling, creative, and capable of shaping play – is exactly the type of profile Hurzeler favours. While losing him might sting initially, his progression at a club like Bayer Leverkusen could also reflect positively on Brighton’s academy and recruitment model. It suggests that the club can produce talent capable of performing at both the Premier League and European level.

Ultimately, supporters will watch closely. If Leverkusen finalise the move, Buonanotte will be an immediate contributor, and Brighton may be judged on whether they can replace his creativity adequately while continuing to develop other promising prospects under Hurzeler’s management.