Leeds close in on Buonanotte deal as Chelsea agree to terminate loan early | OneFootball

Leeds United are closing in on the loan signing of Facundo Buonanotte, with the club confident a deal can be completed before the end of the winter transfer window.

The Argentina international is expected to join from Brighton & Hove Albion after his current loan spell with Chelsea is brought to an early conclusion.

Those familiar with the negotiations anticipate the move being finalised, with Leeds and Brighton aligned on the structure of the agreement.

Buonanotte has been on Leeds’ radar since last summer, when they identified him as a priority attacking target for Daniel Farke.

A deal was close in August, with travel plans and a medical arranged, before Chelsea intervened late in the window and secured his signature.

The 21-year-old opted for Stamford Bridge at the time but has struggled for consistent minutes in West London.

He has featured for just 45 minutes in the Premier League this season and has made eight appearances across all competitions.

Buonanotte has contributed one goal and two assists during that spell, with his most recent outing coming in the FA Cup.

Chelsea and Brighton are understood to agree that a change of environment would benefit his development.

Leeds are now positioned to offer him a more prominent role during the second half of the campaign.

Farke has been keen to add a left-footed attacker who can operate from the right and cut inside, a profile they felt was missing earlier in the season.

Buonanotte fits that brief and is viewed as a player capable of unlocking defences in tight matches.

His arrival would give Leeds greater flexibility in the final third and allow them to adjust their tactical approach when required.

Leeds had also explored a move for Harry Wilson late in the summer but were unable to reach an agreement before the deadline.

Buonanotte’s versatility across attacking midfield and wide areas is seen as a valuable asset as Leeds push for survival.

The Argentine remains under contract with Brighton until June 2028, underlining their long-term belief in his potential.

The proposed move to Elland Road is a straight loan until the end of the season.

Leeds are expecting Buonanotte to travel to West Yorkshire imminently to complete the formalities.

The switch offers Buonanotte the chance to reset after a frustrating first half of the campaign.

Leeds see the deal as a calculated move to strengthen their attacking options without compromising future planning.