Leeds United to weigh up permanent Facundo Buonanotte deal after £35m twist
Daniel Farke could ask the 49ers to try sign Facundo Buonanotte permanently for Leeds United this summer.
The Argentine came to Elland Road in the winter market, joining the Whites on a season-long loan from Brighton after his deal with Chelsea was cut short.
The attacking midfielder has plenty of Premier League experience already at such a young age, and Farke will be excited to see the best of him.
The 21-year-old has made three league appearances already for Leeds, and a permanent move for the forward isn’t out of the realm of possibility.
- Read more: Here’s how the 49ers proved everyone wrong at Leeds United amid suspected winter market mess-up
Leeds have clear decision to make after Harvey Elliott talk downplayed
Adam Pope has confirmed this week that Liverpool’s valuation for Leeds-linked Harvey Elliott would simply be too much for the Whites.
The £35million-rated man is having struggles on his disastrous loan spell with Aston Villa, and would like to find a new club in the summer.
- Villa will trigger Elliott’s £35m buy option if he plays 10 games for the club
- The Englishman has featured in seven matches for the Villans so far
Villa do not want to trigger Elliott’s £35m buy option, and despite Leeds being interested in the midfielder in the past, it would make more sense for the 49ers to turn their attention to Buonanotte instead.
Both men play their best football at centre attacking midfield, and by the summer, Buonanotte could have sparked into life in Leeds shirt, and could even be available for cheaper than Elliott.
The Whites don’t hold a buy option in their loan deal with the Brighton star, but the 49ers showed through their failed attempts at Jorgen Strand Larsen in the winter that they have money to spend.
Where Facundo Buonanotte fits into Daniel Farke’s plans
Right now, it may seem like Buonanotte faces a hard time breaking into Farke’s squad, with competition for forward spots rife.
In the 2-2 draw against Chelsea, the Argentine was benched and didn’t play a minute for the Whites, as Farke opted for a one-striker formation.
But the truth is, there are plenty of games remaining for Leeds in the Premier League this season, and it would be no surprise to see Buonanotte start to play in the positions that Brenden Aaronson has featured in.
The American has often played behind a striker for Leeds this season, but his form has dropped off in recent games, with a big chance for Buonanotte looming.
If he can take his opportunity, the number 10 could have his stay at LS11 extended for a couple more years.
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