Leeds United are claimed to be leading the race, along with West Ham, to sign Brighton and Argentina attacking midfielder Facundo Buonanotte.
The transfer deadline shuts on Monday and Leeds have an attacking addition or two still in their view under Daniel Farke.
So far, it’s been a frustrating search for recruitments in the final third, with Leeds knocked back for plenty of options, but they have very little time to dwell on setbacks.
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Leeds United and West Ham “leading the race” for Facundo Buonanotte
Brighton’s attacking midfield talent Facundo Buonanotte features on Leeds’ shortlist in the final third, with the Seagulls expected to allow him an exit before the end of the window.
The latest comes from journalist Cesar Luis Melo, who reported on Tuesday that United and West Ham are “leading the race” over other candidates to sign the 20-year-old.
(REUTERS/Chris Radburn)
Buonanotte has notably had interest previously from Borussia Dortmund and other clubs across Europe, but another move in the Premier League is the most likely after his 24/25 spell with Leicester City.
Daniel Farke comments on Leeds United attacker plan points to Facundo Buonanotte being ideal target
Besides just being a highly rated attacking talent at one of our Premier League rivals, Buonanotte also slots right into Farke’s planning for what he still desires in the final third.
Speaking prior to Arsenal, Farke noted his winger options in which he described the profile of attacker that he still wants before the window shuts.
“There’s always room for more quality. Wingers who can work hard and are good against the ball, disciplined, wingers who are quick and good one vs one, wingers who can play like a 10. This (latter option) would be a good solution for us,” Farke said, per Beren Cross.
With Farke saying a winger-10-hybrid is what he wants to complete his attack, it makes sense that Leeds would be looking to Buonanotte:
Facuncdo Buonanotte’s 24/25 heatmap (Sofascore), and his career appearances by position (TM)
As you can see, Buonanotte typically likes playing on the right, drifting infield a la Emi Buendia, and it’s an area that Leeds could do with more creativity from to balance out with how fluid their left flank looked against Everton in the final third, and that small heat spike at the corner flag tells you Buonanotte is happy to take corners for a Leeds side crying out for a set-piece specialist.
Not only that, but being a left-footer immediately helps Leeds add a different dynamic to their right foot-dominant group of attackers.
Given Farke’s description of his ideal signing profile, Buonanotte links make a lot of sense.
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