Late Leeds Move Still Possible for Midfielder | OneFootball

Chelsea Secure Facundo Buonanotte Loan Deal from Brighton

Chelsea have moved decisively in the final stretch of the transfer window, securing a season-long loan for Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte. According to The Athletic, “Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Facundo Buonanotte on a season-long loan after Leeds United saw their move for the Brighton & Hove Albion attacking midfielder collapse.”

The agreement marks another twist in a summer of uncertainty for Buonanotte, who had been on the verge of joining Leeds United until the move fell apart at the eleventh hour.

Buonanotte’s Leeds Switch Collapses

Leeds had gone as far as booking a flight for the Argentina international on Thursday, but “he never boarded,” The Athletic reported. Talks between Brighton and Leeds had been advanced, with medical tests lined up and the understanding that a Premier League loan would help Buonanotte secure homegrown status from January.

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For Leeds, the collapse leaves Daniel Farke short of attacking reinforcements. The club’s shortlist is said to include Bilal El Khannouss, Dilane Bakwa, Eduard Spertsyan and Manor Solomon, but missing out on Buonanotte so late in the window will be a bitter disappointment.

Chelsea’s Need for Midfield Creativity

Chelsea have been active in the market for an attacking midfielder throughout the summer. RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons was an early priority before his agreement with Tottenham Hotspur, while Barcelona’s Fermín López remains under consideration. With Christopher Nkunku expected to depart for AC Milan, Buonanotte provides immediate short-term cover.

The Athletic note that “the Buonanotte move would represent the latest in a long line of deals between Chelsea and Brighton.” In recent years, Moises Caicedo, Robert Sanchez and Marc Cucurella have made the same move, while Graham Potter and several backroom staff also crossed paths between the two clubs in 2022.

Buonanotte arrives after registering six goals and three assists in 35 appearances during his loan at Leicester City last season. His performance level, particularly in difficult moments, showcased his resilience and technical ability. He scored five league goals, including a standout solo strike against Bournemouth, which underlined his ability to create something from nothing.

Analysis of Chelsea’s Loan Strategy

As The Athletic analysis observed, Chelsea’s loan approach for Buonanotte “suggests a number of things, primarily that they have moved on from Leipzig’s Simons, who looks Tottenham-bound.” Bringing in the Argentine on a temporary basis reduces financial risk while offering the squad a versatile attacking option who can play between the lines and relieve pressure on Cole Palmer.

Buonanotte is not afraid of the defensive side of the game either, having attempted more tackles per 90 minutes than any of his Leicester teammates last season. His work rate, combined with technical flair, makes him an attractive addition for Chelsea’s evolving midfield unit.

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Future Options for Chelsea and BlueCo

The move also ties into Chelsea’s wider recruitment model under BlueCo. With Strasbourg in Ligue 1 acting as a partner club, Brighton’s Julio Enciso has already been linked with a potential move to France that could eventually see him end up at Stamford Bridge. The interconnected approach allows Chelsea to plan both for the present and future, keeping spaces open for players like Kendry Páez when his loan spell ends.

For now, Buonanotte’s arrival is a pragmatic step, providing cover at low cost and adding depth to an area where Chelsea lacked options. As The Athletic concluded, “a temporary move for Buonanotte provides short-term cover in that No 10 position at a low cost, while the club monitor the progress of others.”

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Chelsea fans will see this deal as a smart, low-risk move that adds depth at a crucial point in the season. While some supporters may have preferred the glamour of a permanent signing like Xavi Simons or Fermín López, Buonanotte represents a different type of opportunity. His Premier League experience with Leicester, where he scored six times in a struggling side, shows he is capable of making an impact in England.

For fans, there is also recognition that this is a loan, not a long-term solution. Some will worry about a lack of permanence in Chelsea’s transfer strategy, with too many temporary fixes in recent windows. However, Buonanotte offers genuine quality and work ethic, with defensive contributions that should complement his creativity.

There is also excitement around his age profile. At 20, he fits Chelsea’s wider project of investing in younger talent with high potential. His presence should ease the burden on Cole Palmer, while providing Enzo Maresca with another option if injuries or form issues strike. Supporters will hope that Buonanotte makes the most of this opportunity and perhaps pushes Chelsea into considering a longer-term deal if he shines.

Ultimately, Chelsea fans will judge the move on results. If Buonanotte adapts quickly and contributes with goals and assists, this will be seen as a shrewd piece of business, especially given the collapsed deal at Leeds.