(Credit: Imago)

Jacob Raw

Fri 24 April 2026 19:10, UK

Leeds United owners, the 49ers, may be unable to keep Facundo Buonanotte permanently, even if they wanted to, due to Chelsea’s matching rights.

Brighton allowed the Argentine to join the Whites this winter window on loan until the end of the season, where the 49ers would then have the chance to make his stay permanent.

Many would question why Leeds would even consider triggering the buy option, but it’s the 49ers we are talking about here; they signed him in the first place.

According to The Athletic, Buonanotte is now classified as a homegrown player, which is a “potential attraction to buyers” as doubt is cast over his future with the Seagulls.

However, the same report suggests that Chelsea still have a matching rights contract clause for Buonanotte, meaning they can match the bid if another club were to try and sign him this summer.

Why is this good for Leeds United amid Facundo Buonanotte struggles?

It’s a bit of a double bonus for Leeds, as what’s now suggested is that clubs have more reason to try and buy Buonanotte this summer, which could make the 49ers flee from any transfer war.

The other side of it is that Chelsea may be able to stop Leeds from signing the 21-year-old, despite him not being contracted to the Blues anymore.

It must be said that Chelsea’s ability to match Leeds, if they were to trigger the option, does depend on how the Whites structured the deal with Brighton.

The likelihood is that neither the Blues nor Leeds will go in for Buonanotte this summer, but you never know with the 49ers at the helm; they have made some questionable decisions in the past.

Buonanotte has struggled at Leeds, and his Elland Road exit should be expected this summer, barring any dramatic twists.

Who could Leeds sign to replace Buonanotte?

It’s said that Leeds wanted to sign an attacking player who could cut in from the right and use his left foot.

That all seems to be a little specific considering Buonanotte has had zero impact since coming to Elland Road.

But if that is truly what Daniel Farke wants, then it’s no surprise to see the Whites linked with Harvey Elliott.

The Englishman has been on loan with Aston Villa this season, and Unai Emery’s side hold a £40million obligation to buy him, should he play 10 games for the club.

With Elliott sitting on nine appearances for Villa, he looks destined for a return to Liverpool, who will then look to sell this summer, with Leeds watching.