Facundo Buonanotte is expected to leave Chelsea and join Leeds United on loan for the rest of the season, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The 21-year-old only moved to Stamford Bridge from Brighton on a temporary basis at the start of September, but Romano says his time with the Blues will be cut short.
Buonanotte’s departure has been approved by both Liam Rosenior’s side and Brighton, with Romano claiming that the player “will undergo his medical soon”.
The Argentinian international will leave after making just 8 appearances and 6 starts, having scored his one and only goal for the club against Lincoln City in the third round of the Carabao Cup back in September.
Why didn’t Buonanotte’s move work out?
It is fair to say that the attacking midfielder was a surprise signing when he arrived from Brighton just before the summer transfer window closed.
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Buononotte had spent last season on loan at Leicester, having scored 6 goals and provided 4 assists in 35 appearances. It wasn’t a record that suggested that he would be joining the club to become a key player.
As it transpired, he only made the matchday squad for 5 league games, being hooked at halftime in his only Premier League appearance versus Brentford. He was an unused substitute on the other four occasions.
Will Chelsea look to replace him?
A lot may depend on the fitness of Cole Palmer. The 23-year-old has had his issues staying fit this season. He missed the defeat to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening with a minor thigh injury. He is expected to return for the Brentford fixture this weekend.
However, with Buonanotte no longer available, Rosenior will have to use Joao Pedro or Enzo Fernandez as cover if Palmer is sidelined again in the future. Both of those players are also deployed in other positions.
Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here