Leeds United are closing in on the signing of Brighton and Hove Albion playmaker Facundo Buonanotte.
Despite Noah Okafor, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Lukas Nmecha coming in, Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte was someone hinted at for Leeds United.
Daniel Farke wants a creative player who is versatile, meaning they can operate as a winger or they give him the option to play as a No.10 in a more central attacking role.
Leeds United News exclusively revealed Brighton’s Buonanotte stance amid Leeds’ interest recently, and that Leeds ‘never left the table’ in terms of looking at signing him this summer, with intrigue in the playmaker’s signature throughout.
Photo by Clive Mason/Getty ImagesGraham Smyth’s update on Facundo Buonanotte
In recent weeks, it’s been stated that Buonanotte is not in Brighton’s plans after his return from Leicester City. Another report then claimed Brighton prefer a loan to the Premier League as well this summer.
Although there has been late Lyon interest in Leeds target Buonanotte, Ben Jacobs then outlined that Premier League duo West Ham United and Leeds were leading the Buonanotte race.
He then revealed Buonanotte to Leeds is advancing rapidly ahead of a loan deal before the transfer deadline. That was earlier today, prior to Graham Smyth’s latest update.
Smyth believes just one more signing is most likely for Leeds at this stage, despite the clamour for two or more from a number of the fanbase ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.
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He has revealed the latest on the situation regarding the Argentine playmaker. Leeds are close to a deal for Buonanotte. He states that the initial plan was to travel on Thursday.
Leeds United close to a deal for Facundo Buonanotte. Initial plan was to travel today but timing/logistics didn’t work and the flight was cancelled.
Could fly up tomorrow now to complete a loan move from Brighton.
Fits the 10/RW profile mentioned in today’s newsletter. #lufc
— Graham Smyth (@GrahamSmyth) August 28, 2025
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However, the timing and logistics didn’t work and the flight was cancelled. He could fly up to West Yorkshire on Friday now to complete a loan move from Brighton.
Leeds United News has since learnt that a deal has been agreed and the loan switch is imminent. It’s been stated that he should have a medical tomorrow and could be unveiled as the 11th summer signing.
However, that is not all we have learnt since then, with further details regarding their reasons for acquiring Buonanotte also coming to light.
Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty ImagesFacundo Buonanotte compared to Emi Buendia
Leeds have a number of profiles who are powerful and athletic, and many of them are players looking to make runs in behind; however, there are not many who can thread passes through the eye of the needle to unlock their speed and threat.
One club source revealed to Leeds United News that they believe they are getting a multifaceted player. That isn’t just with regards to Buonanotte’s positional versatility, but also regarding his all-round skill-set.
He can beat players one on one as a dribbler while also providing a creative spark via through balls. Buonanotte has also been a set-piece taker at previous clubs. His distance shooting is also admired, and so is his work out of possession.
However, he has also shown variety in terms of how he receives passes. Primarily, he wants the ball to feet to create something for his teammates, but he also attacks space and is a willing runner in that sense.
The real key is regarding a comparison to Argentine compatriot Emi Buendia. The former Farke favourite often played in a wide playmaker role but he could also feature more centrally. The source described him as being able to offer a lot of Buendia-like qualities.
His overall profile and best attributes are similar to that of the Aston Villa ace, and he would operate in the same half-spaces as either a right winger or attacking midfielder in the 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 shapes Farke will utilise, much like Buendia did for Norwich City.