Leeds United might not look as though they are going to play with a no.10 next season, but the club are pursuing an attacking midfielder and now, a Brighton player is back on their radar.
Since Daniel Farke arrived at Elland Road, Leeds have played a 4-2-3-1 system. The first season saw Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter chop and change in the 10 role, before Brenden Aaronson made his return.
Last term, Aaronson started 44 of 46 Championship games and had a hand in 11 goals as Leeds secured the Championship title. It might not have been great in terms of numbers, but Aaronson was crucial.
But in pre-season, Leeds have played a more conservative formation of 4-3-3, dropping Ethan Ampadu into a quarterback role and playing two eight’s alongside him. The lack of a no.10 role has been noticed.
Facundo Buonanotte in action for Leicester.
Photo by Jon Hobley | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Leeds now eyeing Brighton star that Whites wanted last summer
It even saw Aaronson start as a right-sided winger against Villarreal. But Leeds remain in the hunt for a no.10, with Leicester’s Bilal El Khannouss able to play behind the striker as well as a winger on either side.
Beren Cross named Getafe’s Christantus Uche as a solid target for Leeds this week, and now Ben Jacobs reports Leeds are also interested in Brighton’s Argentine ace Facundo Buonanotte after his loan return.
Last season, Buonanotte played alongside El Khannouss for Leicester and arguably, the duo were the only bright sparks in a dismal season. Leeds wanted to sign Buonanotte during the 2024 summer window.
“Understand Leeds hold a genuine interest in Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte. However, there’s currently low confidence in pulling off an ambitious move. Dortmund have held talks and are considering a bid.”
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Understand Leeds hold a genuine interest Brighton's Facundo Buonanotte. However, there's currently low confidence in pulling off an ambitious move.
Buonanotte has several suitors, including clubs with #UCL. Dortmund have held talks and are considering a bid.🇦🇷
🤝 @urieliugt pic.twitter.com/kZ6GchUGmy
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 7, 2025
View Tweet
Carlos Tevez verdict will have Leeds United fans excited
Bunoanotte has not really got going in the Premier League to the level he would like and certainly, the hype around him. Especially after Carlos Tevez likened Buonanotte to that of the best-ever, Lionel Messi.
Of course, Buonanotte has got a long way to go to ever reach that kind of level. But that kind of ability to dribble past players and his invention from deep is impressive, that ability to create magic out of nothing.
Lionel Messi ahead of a clash between Argentina and Australia.
Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
But with clubs in the Champions League and Dortmund interested in Bunonanotte, a deal does seem very unlikely at this stage. It is not as if Buonanotte has already tried going out on loan in the Premier League.