Leeds United have announced the loan signing of Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT:
Leeds United are delighted to announce the arrival of Facundo Buonanotte on a loan deal until the end of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
The Whites have secured the services of the Argentinian international for the remainder of the season, joining from fellow top-flight side Brighton & Hove Albion.
Beginning his career in his home nation with Rosario Central where he made 32 appearances, the Seagulls moved swiftly to bring Buonanotte to England shortly after he turned 18-years-old.
He then featured regularly at the AMEX Stadium by playing 50 times across all competitions, before heading out on loan for further experience.
Last season, he made a temporary switch to Leicester City and was a standout player in a struggling Foxes side, playing 35 times across all competitions, scoring six times and assisting on three occasions.
The forward, who now has over 125 first team appearances under his belt, has been on loan Chelsea during the first half of this season, featuring eight times for the West London outfit.
Buonanotte now arrives at Elland Road with experience of playing in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Europa League and at international level as well after earning two caps for Argentina against Indonesia and El Salvador.
His versatility across the forward line has seen the left footed 21-year-old play in central areas behind the striker, on the right or left wing, dropping deeper as needed, and also taking set-pieces.
Everyone at Leeds United would like to welcome Facundo to the club and we look forward to seeing him in action for Daniel Farke’s side.
(End of the statement)
Buonanotte was initially loaned to Chelsea for the whole campaign, but the Seagulls’ deal with the Blues was cut short before the midfielder completed his move to Elland Road.
The 21-year-old has made just eight appearances for Chelsea this season across the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and EFL Cup, with seven of those coming as starts.
Buonanotte, who has represented Argentina twice at senior level, has scored once this season and registered two assists, most recently providing the assist for Tosin Adarabioyo’s goal against Charlton in the third round of the FA Cup.
#LUFC is delighted to announce the arrival of Facundo Buonanotte on a loan deal until the end of the 2025/26 campaign
— Leeds United (@LUFC) January 15, 2026
He will be looking to challenge the likes of Brenden Aaronson and Noah Okafor for a starting position in Daniel Farke’s team.
Leeds are currently eight points clear of the relegation zone in 16th as they prepare to host Fulham on Saturday.
Leeds lost their last league game to Newcastle United (3-4), though at Elland Road they are unbeaten in four matches (W2 D2); they last enjoyed a longer run in the same top-flight season in December 2021 under Marcelo Bielsa (W2 D3).