Brighton & Hove Albion are once again juggling Facundo Buonanotte’s development pathway, with the midfielder – now at Leeds United and struggling – continuing to move between clubs as he builds experience in English football.
The 21-year-old moved to Leeds United in January after a short spell back at Brighton from Chelsea. That sequence alone shows how the Seagulls are handling him – carefully, but without settling on a fixed role just yet.
His switch to Chelsea last summer came somewhat unexpectedly. “When a club as big as Chelsea comes along, you can’t say no”, he revealed later. But despite the step up, he struggled to establish himself.
In the Premier League, he played just 45 minutes, with most of his involvement coming in cup competitions. Even there, his impact remained limited, ending the spell with only modest contributions.
That lack of rhythm has followed him into his current situation. Since arriving at Leeds United, Buonanotte has made only a handful of appearances and is yet to register a goal or an assist. Once again, he finds himself adapting to a new environment rather than building on consistent performances.
This stop-start trajectory contrasts with Brighton’s usual development model and raises questions about when, or where, he will finally settle into a defined role.
South American interest emerges
Facundo Buonanotte’s next step is now being discussed outside England as well.
River Plate are positioning themselves for a move, driven by manager Eduardo Coudet. The Argentine coach knows the player and has already pushed his name internally, identifying him as a creative option who can influence matches.
According to local journalist Mauro Palacios, speaking on Picado TV, the interest is already quite concrete.
“River are going to push in the next transfer window for Facundo Buonanotte. He’s 21 years old, and Coudet knows him. He belongs to an English club – Brighton”, he said.
Coudet really worked with him during his youth academy days at Rosario Central. And the reasoning behind that push was also explained, with a clear focus on his profile.
“He’s an attacking midfielder, a different kind of player. He’s a player who has goals in him, someone who can win you a match.”
There is also a timeline in mind, even if immediate negotiations do not advance this summer.
“If it’s not in the middle of the year, he’s the player Coudet is waiting for at the end of the year.”
Brighton remain in control
Facundo Buonanotte remains tied to Brighton until 2030, which leaves the Premier League club in a strong position.
They initially paid €6m (£5.2m) to sign him from Rosario Central in 2023, and his value has increased through consistent exposure in England. While his numbers are not explosive, they show progression and adaptability across multiple environments.
Given Brighton’s track record, another loan looks more likely than a permanent sale at this stage. The club tend to maximise development before making a definitive call on a player’s long-term role or transfer value.
Given how the period at Leeds United has gone so far, Elland Road doesn’t appear a permanent home for Buonanotte.
River Plate’s interest adds a new layer to the situation, especially given Buonanotte’s Argentine background. Still, any move would depend on Brighton’s broader strategy.
For now, the focus remains on Leeds and finishing the season strongly. What happens next will be decided back on the south coast.