Facundo Buonanotte joins Leeds United on loan — Leedsunited.com 15/1/26
Leeds United are delighted to announce the arrival of Facundo Buonanotte on a loan deal until the end of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
The Whites have secured the services of the Argentinian
international for the remainder of the season, joining from fellow top-flight
side Brighton & Hove Albion.
Beginning his career in his home nation with Rosario Central
where he made 32 appearances, the Seagulls moved swiftly to bring Buonanotte to
England shortly after he turned 18-years-old.
He then featured regularly at the AMEX Stadium by playing 50
times across all competitions, before heading out on loan for further
experience.
Last season, he made a temporary switch to Leicester City
and was a standout player in a struggling Foxes side, playing 35 times across
all competitions, scoring six times and assisting on three occasions.
The forward, who now has over 125 first team appearances
under his belt, has been on loan Chelsea during the first half of this season,
featuring eight times for the West London outfit.
Buonanotte now arrives at Elland Road with experience of
playing in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Europa League and at
international level as well after earning two caps for Argentina against
Indonesia and El Salvador.
His versatility across the forward line has seen the left
footed 21-year-old play in central areas behind the striker, on the right or
left wing, dropping deeper as needed, and also taking set-pieces.
Everyone at Leeds United would like to welcome Facundo to
the club and we look forward to seeing him in action for Daniel Farke’s side.
From the crowds of the Estadio Gigante de Arroyito to the
ferociousness of Elland Road, Facundo Buonanotte’s journey is one rooted in
promise, perseverance, and Premier League ambition.
Born and raised in Pérez, Buonanotte joined Rosario
Central’s academy at a young age, progressing through the ranks to make his
first-team debut in 2022.
ROSARIO CENTRAL
Facundo Buonanotte joined Rosario Central’s academy at just
10 years of age and quickly established himself as one of the brightest
prospects in the club’s youth system.
The attacking midfielder made his senior debut in February
2022, coming off the bench in a Primera División fixture against Arsenal de
Sarandí. In May 2022, Buonanotte held his nerve to score the decisive penalty
in a Copa Argentina shootout victory over Sol de Mayo, a moment that was
swiftly followed by the signing of his first professional contract with the
Argentine outfit.
Just weeks later, he opened his senior account, netting the
only goal in a league win over Sarmiento to further underline his growing
influence at first-team level.
BRIGHTON
Buonanotte made the move to England in January 2023, joining
Brighton & Hove Albion and quickly making his mark at senior level.
The Argentine featured for the first time in early February,
coming off the bench in a Premier League victory over Bournemouth, before
earning his first start later that month in an FA Cup tie away at Stoke City.
He registered his first assist in a home win over West Ham
United, providing the final pass for Danny Welbeck, and went on to score his
first goal for the Seagulls in April, finding the net in a Premier League
fixture at Nottingham Forest.
Across all competitions, Buonanotte has made 50 appearances
for Brighton, scoring five goals.
ARGENTINA
Buonanotte earned his first international recognition in
2022 when he was called up to Argentina’s Under-20 squad for the Maurice
Revello Tournament in France. He would return to the youth international setup
the following January, receiving another call-up ahead of the 2023 South
American Under-20 Championship.
His impressive development was rewarded in March 2023, as
Buonanotte was named in Argentina’s senior squad for the first time, selected
for international friendlies against Panama and Curaçao.
The attacking midfielder went on to make his senior
international debut on 19th June 2023, featuring in a 2-0 victory away to
Indonesia.
LEICESTER
On 10th August 2024, Buonanotte joined Premier League side
Leicester City on a season-long loan for the 2024/25 campaign.
He made his debut for the Foxes on 19th August, featuring in
a 1-1 home draw against Tottenham Hotspur, before opening his account later
that month with his first goal coming in a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on 31st
August.
Buonanotte would go on to enjoy an impressive spell at the
King Power Stadium, making 35 appearances in all competitions and finding the
net on six occasions during his time with Leicester City.
CHELSEA
Joining Chelsea earlier in the season, he made his debut for
the Blues on 13th September, featuring in a 2-2 home draw against Brentford,
before going on to gain valuable experience across domestic and European
competition.
In total, Buonanotte made eight appearances during his time
at Stamford Bridge, including three outings in the UEFA Champions League, and
also found the net in Chelsea’s Carabao Cup victory over Lincoln City.
“I am very happy to be here,” our new signing said, speaking
exclusively to LUTV shortly after his move. “I really wanted to come to Leeds
instead of anywhere else. The time was right for me to come here to Leeds.
“I played with Brighton a few seasons ago and I said to my
family, to my teammates, Leeds is one of the best teams in the Premier League
for sure.
“First, I want to help Leeds. I need to do a good job here.
And then, of course, if I have a chance to go to the World Cup, obviously I
want to go.
“I like to play on the line, score goals and play assists,”
the creative midfielder added, describing his style of play. “I like to be
between the lines and, of course, score.
“I want to show the fans my quality and how I can help the
team stay in the Premier League. I am ready to play and I hope Saturday we can
win.”
Asked what he expected from his first experience walking out
at Elland Road, Facundo kept his answer simple: “I can’t wait for that moment!”
