Brighton & Hove Albion playmaker Facundo Buonanotte is reportedly on the verge of joining Chelsea on a season-long loan deal, which will not include a purchase option.
According to an update by reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Facundo Buonanotte has been the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues have been keen on bolstering their offensive unit by signing a versatile playmaker in the final days of the summer transfer window. So, the 20-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion prospect recently emerged as a target for the West London club.
While Leeds United advanced the talks to sign the Perez native, Chelsea swooped in on Friday before quickly ramping up the talks to secure his services. The 2024/25 UEFA Europa Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup have finalised an agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion, and they will sign the youngster on a season-long loan deal without a purchase option.
Facundo Buonanotte and his career in England so far
Facundo Buonanotte has not been a regular starter since joining Brighton & Hove Albion from Rosario Central in January 2023. While the 20-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his spell in England, he received sporadic opportunities at Brighton & Hove Albion before being in and out of the starting lineup during a loan stint with Leicester City.
Buonanotte has returned to the Amex Stadium after his loan spell, but he has no future with Brighton & Hove Albion. The situation has captured the attention of several Premier League clubs, with Chelsea winning the battle for his signature in the final days of the summer transfer window.
London calling
Chelsea’s interest in Facundo Buonanotte is surprising but somewhat understandable. With Enzo Maresca demanding two quality options for every position, the Blues have been scouring the market for a solid backup to Cole Palmer. While Joao Pedro can reprise the no. 10 role, Chelsea preferred a natural option.
So, the West London club chased Xavi Simons and Fermin Lopez in the last few weeks before zeroing in on Buonanotte due to external factors. Chelsea hijacked Leeds United’s move for the South American playmaker on Friday, and they wasted no time in striking an agreement over a season-long loan deal.
Personal terms never posed an issue, as the player has been keen on joining Chelsea. However, the Blues do not have a purchase option in the arrangement, and they “will have chance to match future bids and get” the 20-year-old Argentine playmaker if they strike an agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion next summer.