Facundo Buonanotte set to leave Chelsea for Leeds United

Leeds United have reached a verbal agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion to sign Facundo Buonanotte on loan for the reminder of the season as Chelsea’s loan deal will be called off, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The 21-year-old joined Chelsea from Brighton in the summer of 2025 for a season-long loan after the Blues missed out on long-term target Xavi Simons, who opted to sign for London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

He was linked with Leeds in the summer and even had a medical scheduled before the move broke down at the final stage.

The Argentine went straight into the first team on the South Coast and played 50 senior games in his first two seasons.

However, he hasn’t had a look-in since Brighton appointed Fabian Hurzeler in the summer of 2024.

He was shipped off to Leicester last season, scoring six goals in 35 appearances as they were relegated from the top flight.

The 21-year-old has struggled for minutes during his temporary spell at Stamford Bridge, playing just once in the Premier League and making seven further appearances across domestic and European Cup competitions, with his only goal for the club coming in the Carabao Cup against Lincoln City.

The youngster’s arrival at Elland Road will be a big boost for Daniel Farke’s squad after Jack Harrison was allowed to leave for Fiorentina.

Capable of playing out wide, as a second striker or most likely as a traditional number ten, the youngster will hope to get his career back on track supplying chances for Calvert-Lewin, perhaps earning a permanent move to Elland Road come the end of the campaign.