Leeds United have reached a verbal agreement with Brighton and Hove Albion for Facundo Buonanotte., with the 21-year-old attacking midfielder is currently on loan with Chelsea
Will Schofield Senior Sports Reporter and Aaron Morris Senior Sports Reporter
14:00, 15 Jan 2026
Facundo Buonanotte celebrates with Chelsea players
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Leeds United are set to sign Facundo Buonanotte(Image: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Leeds United have reportedly struck a verbal deal with Brighton and Hove Albion for the services of Facundo Buonanotte.
The attacking midfielder, 21, currently on loan at Chelsea, is set to be recalled before heading to Elland Road for the rest of the season. According to Leeds Live, Buonanotte will now undergo a medical at Leeds after Brighton and Chelsea gave the green light for the move.
Leeds share a historic rivalry with Chelsea and were left furious at Brighton when they wouldn't budge on Ben White, who helped the Peacocks to promotion in 2020 - eventually selling him to Arsenal.
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 22: Facundo Buonanotte of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Chelsea FC and AFC Ajax at Stamford Bridge on October 22, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
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Facundo Buonanotte has struggled for game time at Chelsea(Image: Visionhaus, Visionhaus/Getty Images)
The Argentinian has struggled to make his mark at Stamford Bridge this season, featuring just once in the Premier League during his loan spell.
However, he's shone in cup competitions for the Blues, making three appearances in the Champions League and the Carabao Cup, as well as featuring in a 5-1 FA Cup victory over Charlton at the weekend.
Since moving to Brighton from Rosario in 2023, Buonanotte has netted five goals and provided two assists in 50 appearances. This news comes as Daniel Farke's Leeds are rumoured to be eyeing several other signings this month.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 10: Facundo Buonanotte of Chelsea is challenged by Greg Docherty of Charlton Athletic during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Charlton Athletic and Chelsea at The Valley on January 10, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
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Facundo Buonanotte is set to be recalled before heading out to Leeds(Image: Chris Lee - Chelsea FC, Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
While Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been in fine form for the Whites recently, playing a key role in their unbeaten run in seven of their last eight matches, Leeds might look to bring in a suitable partner for the English striker to boost their attacking options.
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Recent rumours indicate that Leeds are among several clubs who have been given the opportunity to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves, with competition also coming from the likes of Newcastle United, Tottenham and Everton.
It's reported that intermediaries have held discussions with Leeds, although it's understood that the club hasn't greenlit a potential transfer.
It's believed that Wolves will ask for around £40million for the striker, as they face the very real threat of Premier League relegation due to their poor form this season.