Chelsea have opted to cut short their surprise season-long loan deal for Argentine midfielder Facundo Buonanotte, paving the way for an immediate move to Leeds United. The 21-year-old will leave Stamford Bridge having made minimal impact during his brief stint in West London.
A Loan Spell That Failed to Ignite
Brighton & Hove Albion agreed to loan Buonanotte to Chelsea last summer in a move that raised eyebrows, given the Blues' already bloated squad. Despite the Seagulls paying a £2 million fee to secure his services for the campaign, the young playmaker has been a peripheral figure.
Buonanotte managed just one Premier League start – a 45-minute appearance against Brentford in September – and featured only eight times across all competitions for Chelsea. His limited opportunities came despite initial hopes of Champions League football, an ambition briefly realised with starts against Benfica, Ajax, and Qarabag in Europe's elite competition.
The Path to Elland Road
The player is now expected to return to his parent club, Brighton, before swiftly embarking on a third loan in 18 months. Leeds United are poised to secure his signature on a short-term deal until the end of the season.
Daniel Farke's side, currently 16th in the Premier League and eight points above the relegation zone, are seeking reinforcements for their survival battle. They believe the attacking midfielder can play a significant role in their fight to avoid the drop.
A Career in Need of Stability
Buonanotte's journey has been one of constant movement since his arrival in England from Rosario Central in 2023. Initially seen as a promising talent under Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton, he has fallen out of favour since the appointment of Fabian Hurzeler.
Last season saw him make 35 appearances on loan at Leicester City before their relegation to the Championship. His impending move to Leeds represents another chapter in a nomadic period for the twice-capped Argentina international.
For Chelsea, the decision to terminate the loan reflects their wealth of options in advanced midfield and wide areas, with players like Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, and Alejandro Garnacho ahead of Buonanotte in the pecking order under new manager Rosenior.
