Leeds United have added Facundo Buonanotte to their squad (Image: Malcolm Bryce/Leeds United via Getty Images)placeholder image
Leeds United have added Facundo Buonanotte to their squad (Image: Malcolm Bryce/Leeds United via Getty Images)
FACUNDO Buonanotte may not have exactly hit the ground running at Leeds United, but he at least has something positive to reflect upon already.
In his time on loan at Chelsea in the first half of 2025-26, his game-time at Premier League level amounted to just one game.
The attacking midfielder started in the Blues’ London derby at Brentford on September 13, but was hauled off at the break. All of his other appearances came in cup competitions.
While he had yet to start in the top-flight for Leeds, ahead of Friday night's home game with Nottingham Forest, he had already made substitute appearances in two games, the matches against Everton and Arsenal.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke (left) reacts as Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta looks on during the recent Premier League match at Elland Road, Leeds. Picture: Mike Egerton/PA Wire.placeholder image
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke (left) reacts as Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta looks on during the recent Premier League match at Elland Road, Leeds. Picture: Mike Egerton/PA Wire.
It has suggested that the Argentine's time will eventually come after linking up with the club from Brighton for the rest of the campaign after his time at Stamford Bridge was cut short.
Boss Daniel Farke said: "We brought him in because I think he's a fantastic guy and a fantastic young player with lots of potential and creativity.
"But he has also that he has not played much football in the last months. "Obviously not for Chelsea, but also not for Brighton before, even not for Leicester that much (before that).
"If you bring a player on loan in, you then can't expect in such a situation that straight away he comes in this way better than the options that we have already who have done so well also for us or relatively well to bring us at least into this position.
"I'm a big fan of permanent transfers and I intend to have a player here for several years, but if you have limited resources, then you have to be creative, especially in January and also work sometimes here and there with a loan.
"Facundo gets all our support, backing and help in training to reach his top fitness level, top confidence level and top rhythm in the game. But it's totally up to him to step through the door."