Shock on day one: Top club shatters new signing’s Champions League dream | OneFootball

Winning the World Cup or the Champions League? Every professional footballer has likely heard this question at some point in their career. Even stars like Karim Benzema can't decide. "Both (competitions; editor's note) are very important," the Real legend once said at a press conference in 2014.

Facundo Buonanotte is still miles away from such luxury problems – he is just beginning to fight for a spot on the big stage. At 20 years old, he is at the start of his career, currently missing from the Argentine national team's squad, and is therefore focusing on his club. There, he could at least live the Champions League dream, as his new club Chelsea has qualified for the prestigious competition. Could – because the top club-level competition will initially take place without Buonanotte.

When Chelsea announced their squad for the CL on Tuesday, the new addition was missing from the list. It's all the more bitter when you read how the offensive player was still raving about the CL adventure on the club's website on Monday: "This is a big step in my career. I am sure it will be a positive season. Of course, I will have the opportunity to play in the Champions League for the first time, which will be a great challenge." Ouch. That must have hurt.

Instead of helping the club achieve its goals, as he put it himself, Buonanotte is left with only a spot in front of the TV or in the stands for the Champions League for now. Particularly painful: he will also miss the highlight at Munich's Allianz Arena against Bayern (September 17).

A false start that hurts even more because Buonanotte certainly had alternatives. Before his transfer on Deadline Day, the midfielder was also linked with two Bundesliga clubs that are also participating in the Champions League this season.

Apparently, the Argentine was highly regarded at Borussia Dortmund, as transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported in August. Sportingly, the youngster would have perfectly fit the profile: versatile, whether in the number ten position or on the wings – exactly what the BVB bosses were looking for. Instead of the left-footer, Carney Chukwuemeka came. And he is now in the CL squad of the Black and Yellows.

And not only did BVB have an eye on him. Bayer Leverkusen also reportedly showed interest, as 'SportBild' reports. Buonanotte was one of the bright spots in Leicester's relegation season with his performances. He delivered five goals and two assists. But Brighton, his parent club, had a different plan for him: they wanted to loan the whirlwind within the Premier League to closely monitor his development. So he eventually became the twelfth and last new addition to the Blues – as a backup for Cole Palmer. Just not in the Champions League. At least for now.

However, there is a glimmer of hope: if Chelsea reaches the round of 16, three players can be registered. Maybe Buonanotte will already be on a plane to a CL away game in the spring – and can finally join the conversation when it comes to the big question: World Cup or Champions League?

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

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