Fabrizio Romano has delivered some shock transfer news, and it involves a Chelsea attacker who started in Liam Rosenior’s first game in charge as manager.
Incomings are not seen as particularly likely this month at Stamford Bridge, but exits are a necessity with many Chelsea players currently on the sidelines or enduring difficult loan spells away from London.
Leo Castledine has already completed a permanent Chelsea exit, joining Middlesbrough after a superb loan spell at Huddersfield. It is believed that Chelsea will receive a tiny fee of around £1m for the gem.
Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi continue to be linked with Serie A moves, while David Datro Fofana is of interest to Celtic, Derby and Antwerp. Now, a player currently on loan at Chelsea is set for a January exit.
DECISION TIME: If Liam Rosenior gets to pick one midfielder signing this month, who should it be?💰
Have we missed anyone…
Chelsea midfielder targets
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Facundo Buonanotte set to leave Chelsea for Leeds United
On Saturday night, 21-year-old Facundo Buonanotte was handed only his eighth Chelsea appearance by Rosenior. The playmaker got himself an assist for Chelsea’s second goal in a massive win over Charlton.
Back in the summer, Buonanotte was on his way to Leeds before Chelsea hijacked a move and lured the Argentine to Brighton. At the time, it seemed a strange move made by the South American midfielder.
Faunco Buonanotte before Chelsea against Brentford in the Premier League.
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Well, now it looks like he is admitting his mistake. Fabrizio Romano says in an exclusive that Buonanotte is set to have his Chelsea loan scrapped. He will return to Brighton, before joining Leeds United on loan.
Romano reports: “EXCLUSIVE: Leeds United reach verbal agreement to sign Facundo Buonanotte! Chelsea to interrupt loan move from Brighton. Move to Leeds will be on loan until the end of the season.”
Facundo Buonanotte exit comes after Liam Rosenior chat
It was a strange move from the off. Buonanotte was brought in as cover for Cole Palmer but even then, the Argentine has hardly played when Palmer has been injured. Enzo Fernandez or Joao Pedro, instead.
If Chelsea only make one signing in January, who should it be?👀
Vinicius Jr. is off the table…
Vinicius Jr. hasn't had talks with Chelsea
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However, he did impress against Charlton and according to reports this week, Rosenior is said to have had conversations with Chelsea’s fringe players including Buonanotte in an attempt to restore some faith.
Simon Phillips reports on his Substack channel: “Rosenior has spoken to every player in his group and told them that he trusts them, including the likes of Filip Jorgensen and Facundo Buonanotte.”
But now, Buonanotte has moved to cancel his loan and do something he probably should have done at the start of the season. Join a side where he is going to be largely first choice, in the Premier League.
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