Leeds United have had a hectic past 24 hours when it comes to transfers. The club have missed out on a major transfer involving Brighton star Facundo Buonanotte.
On Thursday, it was reported that Leeds had convinced Brighton over a deal to sign the Argentine playmaker. Many thought the club would finally find their next attacker, as Daniel Farke has been calling for the club to add attacking reinforcements.
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As of Friday, the move has officially collapsed, with Chelsea now in the driving seat. They are now set to complete a transfer over the weekend.
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Leeds United journalists share insight on transfer
Credit: Imago
There are many layers to the story, as Leeds journalists Beren Cross and Graham Smyth explain. Cross believes it was Spurs that caused the transfer to go sideways. The London club reportedly advanced talks with long-term Chelsea target Xavi Simons. This whole summer has seen the Blues be in the driving seat to sign the Dutchman.
Leeds United’s proposed loan move for Facundo Buonanotte has collapsed. They had flight and medical booked. Chelsea losing out on Xavi Simons saw them pounce for Brighton forward. Leeds looking at alternatives. w/ @David_Ornstein #lufc https://t.co/YzK2QFq3dy
— Beren Cross (@BerenCross) August 29, 2025
But since Spurs took the reigns of the deal, Chelsea had to pivot their target. Enzo Maresca’s side are looking at securing a temporary move for the attacking midfielder. According to reports, Chelsea saw Buonanotte be a market opportunity available and took the chance to try and sort a deal. Brighton had made the 21-year old available, after he was left out of all the matchday squads to start the season.
Graham Smyth shares Leeds’ side of the story
According to Graham Smyth, the transfer breaking down is similar to Igor Paixao. Leeds were in the lead to sign the Brazilian, and even made a bid. But Marseille stepped in at the last minute to seal the deal.
Paixão episode II, then. Leeds thought they were close to having it done, hence the booked flight yesterday. For it to happen this close to the deadline is so, so far from ideal.
This weekend will now be a serious test of Leeds’ agility in the transfer market. #lufc
— Graham Smyth (@GrahamSmyth) August 29, 2025
A flight had been booked for Buonanotte, but he cancelled at the last minute. Many expect Chelsea to complete the deal in the coming days.
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