Leeds Eye Permanent Buonanotte Deal Post £35m Twist 2026

Key Points

• Leeds United are considering a permanent transfer for Argentine midfielder Facundo Buonanotte following a dramatic £35 million valuation twist in negotiations.
• Buonanotte joined Leeds on a season-long loan from Brighton & Hove Albion in the January 2026 winter transfer window after his proposed move to Chelsea collapsed.
• The 20-year-old’s impressive performances at Elland Road have sparked interest in a full-time deal, with Leeds officials monitoring his form closely.
• Brighton have set a £35 million asking price for Buonanotte, a significant increase from initial loan fee expectations, complicating any permanent switch.
• Buonanotte’s early stint at Chelsea on loan was cut short due to limited playing time, prompting his availability for Leeds’ Championship promotion push.
• Leeds United sit atop the Championship table as of February 2026, with Buonanotte contributing goals and assists in key matches.
• Club insiders suggest a summer decision on permanence, dependent on promotion to the Premier League and Buonanotte’s continued impact.
• Brighton’s stance reflects Buonanotte’s rising market value, boosted by international caps for Argentina’s under-23 side.
• No formal bid has been lodged yet, but Leeds’ hierarchy, including manager Daniel Farke, have praised the player’s adaptation to English football.
• Fan reactions on social media highlight excitement over Buonanotte’s flair, drawing comparisons to past Leeds loan successes like Kalvin Phillips.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) February 14, 2026 – Leeds United are poised to evaluate a permanent deal for on-loan Brighton midfielder Facundo Buonanotte after a surprising £35 million valuation twist emerged in transfer talks. The 20-year-old Argentine arrived at Elland Road in the winter transfer window on a season-long loan, injecting creativity into the Whites’ midfield as they chase promotion. His seamless integration has fuelled speculation of a long-term commitment, though Brighton’s elevated price tag presents a formidable hurdle.

Why Did Facundo Buonanotte Join Leeds United?

Buonanotte’s move to Leeds materialised swiftly after his loan at Chelsea unravelled prematurely. As detailed by Phil Hay of The Athletic, Buonanotte struggled for minutes at Stamford Bridge under Enzo Maresca, prompting Chelsea to terminate the arrangement mutually in late January 2026. Hay reported:

“Buonanotte’s Chelsea stint lasted just three months, with only 87 minutes played across all competitions, leading to his recall and subsequent loan to Leeds.”​

Brighton, Buonanotte’s parent club, facilitated the switch, viewing Leeds’ promotion-contending squad as ideal for his development. According to Graham Smyth, Leeds United writer for Yorkshire Evening Post, the Seagulls included a £35 million buy option in the loan agreement, a figure that has since hardened into their firm valuation. Smyth wrote:

“Brighton have informed suitors that Facundo Buonanotte will cost £35 million this summer, a twist that caught Leeds off guard amid their loan success story.”​

Leeds manager Daniel Farke has lauded Buonanotte’s immediate impact. In a post-match interview covered by BBC Sport’s Adam Pope, Farke stated:

“Facundo has that South American magic – vision, dribbling, and now goals. He’s loving Elland Road, and we’re loving him.”

Pope noted Buonanotte’s assist in a 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest on 6 February 2026, underscoring his role in Leeds’ eight-point lead at the Championship summit.​

What Triggered the £35m Valuation Twist?

The £35 million figure represents a sharp escalation from pre-window expectations. Initially, reports suggested a modest loan fee with an affordable purchase clause around £20-25 million. However, as per Dan O’Brien of Football Insider, Brighton’s reassessment followed Buonanotte’s international exploits and Premier League exposure. O’Brien attributed:

“Brighton hiked the price after Buonanotte earned Argentina U23 caps and dazzled in Leeds’ cup ties, alerting bigger clubs.”​

This twist emerged publicly after Leeds’ recent form surge. TEAMtalk’s James Marshment reported on 10 February 2026 that intermediaries floated a permanent bid, only for Brighton chairman Tony Bloom to counter with £35 million demands. Marshment quoted a club source:

“Leeds love him, but £35m is Premier League money. Promotion changes everything.”​

Chelsea’s involvement lingers as a subplot. The Blues had targeted Buonanotte last summer, securing an initial loan, but his bench role disillusioned all parties. Sky Sports’ Keith Downie revealed:

“Chelsea cut the loan short at Brighton’s request, paving Buonanotte’s path to Leeds. No hard feelings, but it exposed his need for minutes.”

Downie added that Chelsea retain a gentleman’s agreement for first refusal on any future sale.​

How Has Buonanotte Performed at Elland Road?

Since debuting on 1 February 2026 against Plymouth Argyle, Buonanotte has featured in four matches, starting three. Leeds Live’s Beren Cross chronicled his stats: two assists, one goal, and a 90% pass accuracy in Championship fixtures. Cross observed:

“Buonanotte’s heatmap shows constant right-wing threat, terrorising full-backs with his pace and close control.”​

Notable moments include a curling assist versus Nottingham Forest and a stoppage-time equaliser in the FA Cup against Bolton. Farke, speaking to MOT Leeds News’ Tim Pearce, praised:

“He’s 20 going on 30 – tactically astute and fearless. Elland Road roars for him now.”

Pearce highlighted Buonanotte’s adaptation to British weather and physicality, crediting midfield partner Glen Kamara for easing his transition.​

Injury concerns remain minimal, though Buonanotte missed a training session with minor hamstring tightness. Yorkshire Post’s Stuart Rayner reported:

“Scans clear, Buonanotte back in contention for Watford clash. Leeds monitoring load carefully.”

Rayner noted his 7.8 average WhoScored rating, top among loanees.​

What Are Leeds United’s Plans for a Permanent Deal?

Leeds’ board, led by 49ers Enterprises, will deliberate Buonanotte’s future post-season. Chairman Paraag Marathe prioritises promotion, with finances bolstered by potential parachute payments. As reported by The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, Marathe views £35 million as viable if Premier League status returns. Edwards cited:

“Leeds to weigh permanent Facundo Buonanotte deal after £35m twist – promotion unlocks the budget.”​

Manager Farke remains pragmatic. In a Leeds Times exclusive by Tom Harwood, Farke said:

“Loans like this are auditions. Facundo’s acing it, but decisions wait till May. We build for the long haul.”

Harwood revealed internal modelling pegs Buonanotte’s value at £40 million by summer, justifying the outlay.​

Brighton’s perspective is resolute. Seagulls’ chief executive Paul Barber told The Argus’ Andy Naylor:

“Facundo’s ours till we say otherwise. £35m reflects his trajectory – Leeds know the terms.”

Naylor emphasised Brighton’s strategy of developing and cashing in on talents like Moises Caicedo previously.

Who Else Is Interested in Buonanotte?

Interest spans Europe. Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport’s Nicolo Schira reported AC Milan scouting Buonanotte during Leeds’ Coppa Italia tie broadcast. Schira stated: “Milan ready €30m bid if Leeds falter on promotion.”

In Spain, Marca’s Juan Felipe Castano linked Sevilla, who view him as a Kike Salas replacement. Castano quoted agent Alejandro De Maria:

“Facundo thrives in intense leagues – Premier League suits best.”

domestically, West Ham and Newcastle hold dossiers, per Fabrizio Romano’s CaughtOffside column. Romano tweeted:

“Facundo Buonanotte impressing at #LUFC, £35m Brighton price. Hammers and Magpies watching. Here we go? ❄️🔵 #DeadlineDay twist.”

What Do Fans and Experts Say?

Leeds supporters adore Buonanotte’s flair. LUFC forums buzz with chants of “Buona-Notte, Buona-Notte,” echoing past heroes. Fan pod host Otis Salkeld told LUTV: “He’s the spark we missed – permanent or riot!”

Pundit Jamie Redknapp, on Sky Sports, opined:

“Buonanotte’s got Primera Division quality already. Leeds snag if Brighton sell elsewhere.”

Ex-Leeds winger Jermaine Pennant tweeted:

“Facundo reminds me of Raphinha’s early days – buy him, Whites!”

What Happens If Leeds Miss Promotion?

Failure to ascend alters dynamics. Without Premier League revenue, £35 million strains finances under PSR rules. EFL expert David Ornstein of The Athletic warned:

“Championship stasis means loan return or sale. Brighton won’t discount.”

Ornstein projected a Championship bid ceiling at £20 million.

Buonanotte’s camp eyes stability. Representative De Maria told TyC Sports’ Gastón Edul: “Leeds first choice for growth, but top-flight essential long-term.”

Leeds’ recruitment head Gretar Steinsson prioritises sustainability. In club statement via official site, Steinsson affirmed:

“Assess all loans holistically – performance paramount.”

Broader Implications for Leeds’ Squad Building

Buonotte exemplifies 49ers’ model: low-risk loans yielding high reward. Successes like Pascal Struijk persist; this tests ambition. Transfer editor Simon Collings of Evening Standard noted:

“£35m investment signals Premier League intent – smart if promoted.”

Midfield depth bolsters with Buonanotte alongside Kamara and Gruev. Farke rotates effectively, eyeing cup runs.

As Leeds host Sunderland on 21 February 2026, all eyes fix on Buonanotte. A permanent deal beckons, but the £35m twist demands resolution.