Lionel Messi in Inter Miami action
(Credit: Imago)
Joe Elvin
Fri 8 August 2025 7:40, UK
Leeds United are becoming more ambitious in the transfer market as the summer goes on.
The Whites have already beefed up their squad with seasoned internationals like Jaka Bijol and Anton Stach.
Now, they’re being linked with a playmaker who has previously been likened to Lionel Messi.
Leeds know it’s an ambitious move, but they’re open to exploring the possibility of making it happen.
Leeds United
Facunda Buonanotte could be sold by Brighton this summer (Credit: Imago)
Leeds open to exploring possibility of Facundo Buonanotte transfer
Leeds have been tracking Argentinian playmaker Facundo Buonanotte for some time.
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The 20-year-old is currently at Brighton, but Daniel Farke had attempted to sign him last summer.
He was eventually loaned out to Leicester City, but not before Farke made a last-minute attempt to hi-jack that deal.
Buonanotte did well at Leicester, but Brighton are still open to cashing in on him before the transfer window closes.
Ben Jacobs posted via X on 7 August that Leeds hold a genuine interest Buonanotte, but there’s currently low confidence in pulling off an ambitious move.
There will be plenty of competition for his signature, including from Champions League clubs like Borussia Dortmund.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke waving at fans
Daniel Farke is a long-time admirer of Buonanotte (Credit: Imago)
It was Carlos Tevez who once compared Buonanotte to Messi.
Tevez, who coached the youngster at Rosario Central, previous said: “I watch football and it’s been a long time since I’ve seen someone play who gives me as much pleasure as Buonanotte. When he brakes and accelerates, he reminds me of Messi. He is at a very high level.”
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
Leeds may still be missing some magic in the final third
Farke has already bought very sensibly this summer, and he’ll fancy his chances of leading Leeds to Premier League safety.
The spine of his team now looks very strong.
He has:
Lucas Perri in goal
Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw as centre-backs
Stach and Sean Longstaff marshalling his midfield
Lukas Nmecha being trusted to bang in the goals
There’s an abundance of strength and experience here. These signings should make Leeds very tough to beat.
If there’s one thing his team is missing, it’s perhaps a top-class player who can consistently unlock Premier League defences.
These players are hard to find and extremely expensive to sign once they become proven stars. That’s why teams like Leeds need to gamble on these players while they’re young.
A punt on Buonanotte could be the final piece of the puzzle for Farke, although he’ll have to fight off fierce competition to get the deal done.
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