Since promotion back to the Premier League, Leeds United have made countless additions to try and make the club a consistent force within England’s top-flight.
Whilst many of the additions made by the hierarchy have been successful, numerous players have unfortunately failed to meet the expectations placed on them at Elland Road.
The hierarchy’s inability to identify the right options has seen the Whites become somewhat of a yo-yo club in recent seasons - something that was unthinkable under Marcelo Bielsa.
bielsa-leeds-championship-premier-league-manager
However, Daniel Farke is the latest manager to try and establish the club in the division, with the German having seven games to secure their status ahead of 2026/27.
If his men are to spend another season amongst the country’s elite, every player will need to be on top form - but one first-team member looks as though he won’t play again this term.
Daniel Farke
The stats behind Buonanotte’s failed spell at Leeds
After a run of six games unbeaten ahead of the January transfer window, it was vital that the Leeds board only added players who would further improve the side for the second half of the campaign.
As a result, the hierarchy completed the signing of attacking midfielder Facundo Buanonotte on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion until the end of the season.
The Argentine previously spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Chelsea, but failed to deliver - something which has been apparent once more during his spell at Elland Road.
The 21-year-old has now featured in just two league games under Farke’s guidance, but none of which have been from a starring role - amassing a total of just 24 minutes.
Facundo Buonanotte
His last piece of action for the Whites came back in February, with Buonanotte featuring for just 45 minutes of the club’s FA Cup victory over Championship side Birmingham City.
The midfielder has now failed to appear in any matchday squad since the latest FA Cup win against Norwich City - even then, he didn’t come off the bench and was an unused substitute.
Leeds star is becoming as pointless as Buonanotte
As previously mentioned, Leeds’ transfer business has often left fans wanting more, especially given the lack of impact from the likes of Buonanotte.
The Argentine, who’s only on loan in Yorkshire, will certainly depart at the end of the campaign, with no fee being lost, given the deal was only a temporary one.
Regardless of relegation, he will be one of numerous players moved on by the club, with any sales allowing the hierarchy to conduct further business in the summer.
facundo-buonanotte-leeds-birmingham
The likes of Illan Meslier, Lucas Perri and Joel Piroe could all easily depart Elland Road during the off-season, with Farke also not trusting any of the trio in the Premier League.
However, fan-favourite Sam Byram is another who could be offloaded, despite playing a huge role during the Championship promotion-winning campaign in 2024/25.
The full-back made a total of 36 league appearances under Farke last term, subsequently scoring once and offering a steady option within the club’s backline.
As a result, the 32-year-old would pen a new one-year deal back in July last year, allowing him to be a part of the Whites’ return to the Premier League this term.
However, such a decision has undoubtedly been the wrong one, with Farke and the other coaching staff completely overlooking Byram across all competitions in 2025/26.
sam-byram-leeds
The defender has only featured for a total of seven minutes in England’s top-flight this season, with his last action coming during the 5-0 defeat to Arsenal back in August. In fact, his action has been so sparse that he hasn't scored for the club since 27th November 2024, a 3-0 win over Luton.
He’s even been overlooked in cup competitions against lower league opposition, subsequently featuring for a combined seven minutes against Norwich, Birmingham and Derby County.
Fewest PL minutes played for Leeds in 2025/26
Player
Sam Byram
Facundo Buonanotte
Joel Piroe
Jack Harrison
Sebastiaan Bornauw
Wilfried Gnonto
Dan James
Ao Tanaka
Byram’s only start this season came in the Carabao Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday - undoubtedly signalling that he’s not a player required by Farke at Elland Road.
The decision to hand the 32-year-old a new contract last summer now looks to be a pointless task, almost as pointless as completing a deal for Buonanotte.
Sam-Byram-Leeds
The defender, who currently earns a reported £20k-per-week, will have earned around £1m before his deal expires - funds which could easily have been spent elsewhere.
With his contract now set to expire at the end of June, it’s almost certain that the full-back will be released to find a challenge at another club lower down the pyramid.
However, the hierarchy desperately need to remember such dealings in the summer, with similar mistakes potentially costing them once again next campaign.
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