Chelsea are said to have a “first option” clause in the loan deal for Facundo Buonanotte. This means that the club can match any future bids for the Argentine playmaker. The 20-year-old came to Stamford Bridge late in the summer transfer window on a season-long loan from Brighton. It is thought that the Blues paid around £2 million for the deal.
Reports say that the deal does not include a standard option to buy or a fixed-fee obligation. Chelsea now have the chance to match any offers that Brighton might get for the midfielder next summer. The deal also says that the west London club will pay his full salary for the whole 2025/26 season.
Even though people were excited when he first joined, the former Rosario Central player has had trouble getting regular playing time. He hasn’t been on the last six Premier League matchday squads, and this streak will likely continue in the coming games.
Cole Palmer’s return to the bench has made the competition for spots even tougher. This means the Argentine is now farther away from the first-team picture than he has been all season.
But sources say that the player wasn’t surprised by what happened. Buonanotte reportedly knew he was signing with Chelsea as a backup player. He chose to move there instead of Leeds so he could play in the Champions League, which he has now done.
Facundo Buonanotte says he learns from “wonderful player” every day at Chelsea
Even though he hasn’t been on the matchday squad lately, Facundo Buonanotte has said good things about how well he’s fit in at Chelsea. He named fellow countryman Enzo Fernandez as a big part of his growth.
The 20-year-old, who was on loan at Leicester City last season, has already made a name for himself in cup competitions. He has scored his first goal for the club against Lincoln and started in the Champions League win over Benfica.
He says he is always learning from the older midfielders like Enzo Fernandez while he waits for another chance in the Premier League:
“He’s a key pillar. I learn from him every day, and he was the first to write to me when my move to the club was finalised.
“I don’t need to say anything about what he’s like on the pitch, because he’s a wonderful player and everyone sees that; but beyond that, he’s a great person.”
Buonanotte will hope the busy winter schedule gives him a chance to get back into the team as Chelsea continues to compete on many fronts.