Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media

Evan Lloyd

Sat 9 May 2026 14:15, UK

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Facundo Buonanotte has not featured in a Leeds United shirt since February, making just three appearances since he arrived on loan from Brighton.

The 21-year-old had spent the first half of the season on loan at Chelsea, but was finally recalled in January after making just eight appearances in four months.

Last season, Buonanotte provided excitement on loan at Leicester City, representing one of the only bright spots in a terrible campaign for the eventually-relegated Foxes.

And the season before had been good for the Argentine, too, who had made his breakthrough for the Seagulls at just the age of 18 and was rewarded with his first senior caps for his nation.

Leeds transfer chiefs expected the same talent to arrive at Elland Road, but, five months on, have been left wondering what happened.

Two terrible loans for Facundo Buonanotte

Leeds were close to signing Buonanotte before he signed for Chelsea, in what was a bizarre piece of business for the Conference League winners.

The midfielder was impressive at Leicester last season, but had certainly not torn any trees up to the extent of making an impact for a team hoping to challenge for the Premier League.

Ultimately, the 21-year-old was pursued by the Blues as a temporary back-up option, and the deal should have been declined in favour of a move to Leeds.

Even stranger was the fact that Chelsea’s deal for Buonanotte involved no option or obligation to buy, making it a flat loan deal.

Such a move certainly benefited the Blues, who got a capable player to add to their squad for around £2million, but Brighton must have been aware of the possibility that their young player would spend much of his time sitting on the bench and not developing.

When Buonanotte eventually got to Leeds, he played just 70 minutes of football and has not been seen since. Had he arrived at Elland Road full of confidence last summer, it may well have been a different story.

Buonanotte faces key career decision

Buonanotte remains under contract at Brighton until 2028, and his next move is a crucial one for the future of his career.

A terrible couple of loans this season are unlikely to have convinced Fabian Hurzeler that he should return to the squad next season, with another loan more likely.

The solution that makes the most sense may see the Argentine leave the Premier League for now, with the physicality sometimes looking to get the best of him.

Where Buonanotte decides to go, he must ensure that minutes and performances on the pitch are prioritised.