Key Points
- Leeds United have secured Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion until the end of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
- The 21-year-old Argentinian international arrives at Elland Road after a brief stint on loan at Chelsea this season, where he made eight appearances, scoring one goal and providing two assists.
- Buonanotte began his career at Rosario Central, making 32 appearances and scoring four goals before joining Brighton in January 2023 shortly after turning 18.
- At Brighton, he featured in 50 matches across all competitions, netting five goals, and gained experience in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and Europa League.
- Last season (2024/25), Buonanotte excelled on loan at Leicester City, playing 35 times, scoring six goals, and assisting three in a struggling side.
- He has over 125 first-team appearances and two senior caps for Argentina, against Indonesia (2023, 2-0 win) and El Salvador (2024, 3-0 win).
- The left-footed versatile forward can play as a No.10, on the wings, behind the striker, deeper roles, and takes set-pieces.
- Leeds United welcome him to the club for Daniel Farke’s side.
- His Chelsea loan ends early; he travelled to Leeds on 14 January 2026 to finalise the move after Leeds hijacked or agreed termination.
- Leeds were interested in summer 2025, but Chelsea won the race; now back due to limited minutes at Chelsea.
- Potential debut against Fulham on Saturday.
Leeds, England (Leeds United Official Announcement) 15 January 2026 – Leeds United have confirmed the signing of versatile Argentinian attacker Facundo Buonanotte on a season-long loan from Brighton & Hove Albion until the end of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, bolstering Daniel Farke’s squad amid their push away from the relegation zone. The 21-year-old joins Elland Road with a wealth of top-flight and European experience, having impressed on previous loans and earned international recognition. Everyone at Leeds United expressed delight at his arrival, stating they look forward to seeing him in action for Farke’s side.
Who is Facundo Buonanotte?
Facundo Valentín Buonanotte, born on 22 December 2004 in Rosario, Argentina, rose through the ranks at hometown club Rosario Central. He made his senior debut in February 2022 and amassed 32 appearances, scoring four goals, including in the Primera División and Copa Argentina, before Brighton & Hove Albion signed him in January 2023 for a reported fee just after his 18th birthday.
At the AMEX Stadium, Buonanotte quickly adapted to English football, making 50 appearances across all competitions in his first 18 months and scoring five goals. His career stats show 129 total matches, 16 goals, and six assists as of early 2026, with strong per-90-minute rates in the Premier League. Career totals include 104 league games with 13 goals and nine assists.
On the international front, Buonanotte featured for Argentina’s U20 side in tournaments like the 2022 Maurice Revello and 2023 South American Championship. He received his first senior call-up in March 2023 and debuted as a substitute in a 2-0 friendly win over Indonesia on 19 June 2023, followed by a second cap in a 3-0 victory against El Salvador in 2024.
What Led to His Move to Chelsea and Early Departure?
In the summer of 2025, Leeds United initially eyed Buonanotte, with reports of advanced talks and Argentine journalist Bruno Gonzalez Garcia stating confirmation was imminent, positioning him as a potential successor to Pablo Hernandez. However, as reported by various sources, Chelsea hijacked the deal, agreeing a season-long loan from Brighton on 31 August 2025.
Chelsea’s official announcement quoted Buonanotte saying,
“I’m very happy to join Chelsea. It’s a great opportunity for me and I’m just looking to add as much to the squad as possible, help the team and help the staff.”
He debuted on 13 September 2025 in a 2-2 draw with Brentford, making eight appearances total: one goal, two assists in the league, plus outings in Champions League (starting two, including full 90 minutes in a 5-1 win over Ajax) and an assist in a 5-1 FA Cup win over Charlton Athletic.
Despite this, limited starts prompted an early termination. As per InsideFutbol on 15 January 2026, Leeds secured the agreement with Brighton, and Chelsea consented, with journalist Nizaar Kinsella writing on X:
“Chelsea agreed the loan cancellation was in the best interest of the player with Brighton and he travels to Leeds to complete the move today.”
BBC Sport noted Leeds in advanced talks to hijack Chelsea’s deal on 15 January.
How Does His Leicester City Loan Fit into His Development?
Prior to Chelsea, Buonanotte’s standout spell came last season on loan at Leicester City for 2024/25. Joining a Foxes side battling relegation, he shone with 35 appearances across competitions, scoring six goals and providing three assists.
Leeds United’s announcement highlighted him as a “standout player in a struggling Foxes side.” Wikipedia details his debut on 19 August 2024 in a 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur and first goal on 31 August in a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa, contributing significantly in Premier League (31 apps, 5 goals, 2 assists) and cups. This loan built on his Brighton experience, preparing him for high-pressure environments.
Why Did Leeds United Pursue Buonanotte Again?
Leeds, under Daniel Farke, have turned their form around, going unbeaten in December 2025 to climb to 16th, eight points clear of relegation. Buonanotte addresses needs in attack, with versatility suiting Farke’s system: central behind striker, wings, deeper, set-pieces.
Interest dates back to summer 2023 and intensified in 2025, per The Hard Tackle citing Ben Jacobs. InsideFutbol noted Leeds were “heavily in” last summer but lost to Chelsea; now, with Jack Harrison potentially loaned to Fiorentina (salary hurdles pending), space opens. His Premier League pedigree from Leicester and Chelsea makes him ideal.
What Impact Could Buonanotte Have at Elland Road?
Buonanotte’s arrival injects competition for places like Noah Okafor and Brenden Aaronson, praised as a “proper manager’s player.” With over 125 senior games, he brings maturity at 21.
Potential debut looms against Fulham on Saturday, per InsideFutbol. Leeds United stated: “Everyone at Leeds United would like to welcome Facundo to the club.” His left foot, adaptability, and goal threat (16 career goals) could elevate Leeds’ survival bid and beyond.
Analysts see parallels to past creators, though Teamtalk in 2025 cautioned on deal structure. Neutral observers note his stats (0.2 goals/90 at Leicester) promise creativity. As Leeds consolidate, Buonanotte’s journey—from Rosario to Premier League loans—positions him for a breakout.
