What went wrong at Leeds United? - Brighton issue Facundo Buonanotte statement

Facundo Buonanotte’s season could not have gone much worse.

The Argentina international playmaker struggled on his first loan at Chelsea as he completed just 45 minutes of Premier League action with the Blues.

The season-long deal at Stamford Bridge was cut short and Buonanotte made the January switch to Daniel Farke's Leeds United.

It was a chance to kick-start his campaign and prove himself in Premier League on a regular basis. Unfortunately the former Rosario Central man fared little better at Elland Road.

Buonanotte has made three appearances for Leeds, with a total of 24 minutes in the Premier League. It's been a wasted season for the Brighton man.

"That's a good question," said Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler to Sussex World when asked why it went wrong for Buonanotte at Leeds.

"I'm not there, I'm not in his head, I'm not knowing exactly the processes that are going on of course.

“I'm trying to be in touch with our loan managers and trying to understand the situation from the individual players but it's always quite difficult to judge things from outside and to judge things from this end."

Buonanotte contracted to 2028

Buonanotte joined Brighton in 2023 for around £8m and has made 50 appearances for the Seagulls, with five goals and two assists. He is contracted with Albion until 2028.

His best position is on the right of the attack or in the No 10 role but he is behind the likes of Georginio and Jack Hinshelwood in the pecking order.

Albion also have the talents of Brajan Gruda, Matt O'Riley, Harry Howell and fit-again Solly March all competing in that position.

It's hard to see Buonanotte breaking through and the 21-year-old may not have the physicality and defensive attributes that Hurzeler demands. Buonanotte was previously linked with a £20m to Borussia Dortmund.

Hurzeler added: "What we will do after the season, we will sit together, we will analyse each situation individually.

"Why the loan wasn't successful, what does the player need to do to improve, how we can help him.

"What is the environment he needs to feel safe, to feel comfortable to perform at his best and that's our responsibility.

"So therefore when the season is done we will sit together, we will analyse it and try to get the right things out of it."