'Medical' - Brighton and Leeds deal 'confirmed' after Chelsea transfer decision
All the latest January transfer news and gossip for Brighton and Hove Albion
Brighton attacker Facundo Buonanotte will cut short his loan at Chelsea and join Leeds United.
The Argentina playmaker has predictably received little game time at Stamford Bridge and will hope for better fortunes with Daniel Farke's Leeds team.
Buonanotte has made eight appearances for Chelsea this term and was an unused substitute last night as the Blues suffered a 3-2 Carabao Cup semi-final first leg loss to Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.
The Albion player had three outings in the Champions League, three in the Carabao, one FA Cup appearance and one in the Premier League. He has totalled 518 minutes of action so far this term.
Leeds agreement to sign Facundo Buonanotte
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano posted: “EXCLUSIVE: Leeds United reach verbal agreement to sign Facundo Buonanotte!
“Chelsea to interrupt loan move from Brighton, leaving #CFC to return to #BHAFC and then join Leeds.
“Move to #LUFC will be on loan until the end of the season. Here we go, soon.”
Romano added; “Facu Buonanotte will undergo his medical at Leeds United soon as it’s all approved also by Chelsea and Brighton. Exclusive story, confirmed.”
Buonanotte, who spent last season on loan at Leicester, is contracted with Brighton until June 2028. He joined the Seagulls for around £8m from Rosario Central in 2023.
The Argentine international has made 50 appearances for Brighton, with five goals and two assists and has a market value of around £20m.
He almost joined Leeds United on loan at the start of this season but opted for Chelsea instead.
Leeds are 16th in the Premier League and are next in action this Saturday against Fulham at Elland Road.
Sussex World verdict
Buonanotte is too good to sit on the bench and the Argentine playmaker can hopefully kick-start his career at Leeds. The move to Chelsea seemed like a waste of time when it was announced at the start of this season and unfortunately it proved to be the case.
The 21-year-old was excellent at Leicester in the first part of last season under Steve Cooper but then struggled when Ruud van Nistelrooy took over. Hopefully Farke can get the best from him but he’s certainly a player who can boost Leeds’ attacking options from day one and a player capable of linking well with Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
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