Leeds Consider Ambitious Swoop for 20-year-old Brighton Playmaker | OneFootball

Leeds United Interested in Move for Brighton Midfielder Facundo Buonanotte

Leeds United reportedly hold an interest in Brighton & Hove Albion’s Facundo Buonanotte following his loan spell at Leicester City, as reported by the Yorkshire Post. The 20-year-old, who joined Brighton from Rosario Central in 2023, returned to his parent club this summer after a challenging but personally encouraging season at the King Power Stadium.

Despite Leicester’s struggles, Buonanotte emerged as one of the few bright sparks, showcasing technical flair and the ability to unlock defences. Now a senior Argentina international, his future is attracting significant attention across Europe.

Creativity and Versatility for Leeds’ Attack

An attacking midfielder by trade, Buonanotte can also operate from wide positions. For Leeds, who are preparing for a Premier League return, his combination of vision, composure and versatility could be invaluable. Yorkshire Post notes he would “arguably provide the injection of flair and creativity Leeds are on the hunt for.”

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However, competition is fierce. Journalist Ben Jacobs stated on social media: “Understand Leeds hold a genuine interest Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte. However, there’s currently low confidence in pulling off an ambitious move. Buonanotte has several suitors, including clubs with Champions League [football to offer]. [Borussia] Dortmund have held talks and are considering a bid.”

The presence of clubs at the top level of European competition means Leeds face an uphill task in convincing the young playmaker to join their project.

Other Transfer Links and Squad Priorities

Leeds have also been linked with Bilal El Khannouss, who remains at Leicester. Unlike Buonanotte, El Khannouss will play Championship football if he stays, though his creativity has attracted Premier League attention.

Daniel Farke has been clear about his transfer priorities. Speaking after a friendly draw with Villarreal, the Leeds boss admitted: “We know in the offence we are not ready for Premier League level. We’ve proven we can be ready for one game and for that I am not too concerned at the moment as it stands. I know especially with the offence, in the last bit you can add some quality.”

Farke also expressed the importance of timing in new signings: “Of course, as a manager, you want all the players available on the first day of pre-season and to have training sessions with them because they need to adapt to the group and the principles. The shorter the time is to the first game the more difficult it is to integrate them and make them fully ready and up to speed.”

Picture:IMAGO

Strategic Ambition for Premier League Survival

Leeds’ pursuit of Buonanotte signals an ambition to add top-tier quality rather than simply squad depth. His creativity would complement their current midfield options and provide an extra edge in matches where breaking down stubborn defences is key.

If they can persuade him to join despite Champions League interest elsewhere, it would be a statement of intent. Yet, as the Yorkshire Post reports, the club’s confidence in landing the Argentine remains cautious. With the season fast approaching, securing a player of Buonanotte’s calibre could prove decisive in avoiding another relegation battle.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Leeds fans, the link to Facundo Buonanotte is exciting but also frustrating. His profile fits exactly what the team has been missing in recent seasons; someone with vision, quick feet and the bravery to take risks in the final third.

Many will see this as a rare opportunity to sign a young international with proven Premier League experience. However, the reality of competing with clubs like Borussia Dortmund, who can offer Champions League football, makes the move feel unlikely. Leeds’ Premier League return will be a draw in itself, but convincing a player with multiple elite options will require a strong sales pitch and a clear role in Farke’s plans.

The manager’s honesty about the attack not being ready resonates with fans. The expectation is that if Buonanotte is unavailable, Leeds must pivot quickly to other targets with similar creativity. Missing out entirely on a player of this style could leave them short of goals and ideas against higher-level opposition.

Ultimately, the transfer window is about balancing ambition with realism. Leeds may be dreaming big with Buonanotte, but ambition is what will keep the club pushing for more than just survival.