Facundo Buonanotte to Leeds United? Whites Confident of £30m Deal as Gnonto Faces Elland Road Exit
Leeds United are reportedly preparing for a significant summer shake-up as they plan their return to the Premier League — and one of the biggest moves could involve the signing of Argentine starlet Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton & Hove Albion. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder, who spent last season on loan at Leicester City, has emerged as a top target for manager Daniel Farke, with reports suggesting the club is confident of completing a deal in the region of £30 million, including add-ons.
This ambitious move would not only underline Leeds’ intent to compete seriously in the top flight after a two-year absence, but could also spell the end of Willy Gnonto’s time at the club. The Italian winger has struggled for game time under Farke and may be sacrificed to fund the club’s wider transfer strategy.
Buonanotte’s Journey: From Rosario to the Premier League
Facundo Buonanotte has long been regarded as one of Argentina’s most promising young talents. Born in Rosario, the same footballing hotbed that produced Lionel Messi, Buonanotte began his professional career at Rosario Central. His skill on the ball, vision in tight spaces, and composure well beyond his years attracted the attention of Brighton & Hove Albion, who secured his signature in 2022.
Although still developing physically, Buonanotte showed immediate promise in the Premier League. His technical ability and eye for goal were evident in limited appearances for Brighton, but with competition fierce at the AMEX Stadium, he was loaned to Leicester City in 2024 for regular first-team experience.
At Leicester, Buonanotte featured prominently under Enzo Maresca, making 31 league appearances and contributing five goals. Though the Foxes ultimately suffered relegation, Buonanotte was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing season. His performances were enough to keep him on the radar of top clubs — and Leeds, newly promoted back to the Premier League, are leading the race to bring him in.
Leeds’ Ambition Under the 49ers Enterprises
Leeds’ return to the Premier League under Daniel Farke has been driven by clear planning, tactical consistency, and strong leadership from the boardroom. The club’s American ownership group, 49ers Enterprises, took full control of the club in 2023 and promised a new era of sustainable ambition, underpinned by investment in youth and high-potential talent.
Buonanotte’s profile fits that model perfectly. At 20, he offers both immediate impact and long-term value, and Leeds believe he can thrive in Farke’s system, which encourages attacking creativity and fast transitions. His ability to play in multiple roles — primarily as a central attacking midfielder, but also on the right wing — makes him especially appealing.
Brighton, however, are not keen to sell on the cheap. The Seagulls have developed a reputation for maximising returns on their young assets, and Buonanotte is no exception. A £30 million package, including performance-based bonuses and potential sell-on clauses, is being discussed, though Leeds are confident that they can structure a deal that fits their financial parameters.
Implications for Willy Gnonto: A Talent on the Way Out?
As Leeds focus on securing Buonanotte, another talented youngster may be heading for the exit. Willy Gnonto, the 21-year-old Italy international, has had a turbulent time at Elland Road. After an explosive start to his Leeds career in 2022–23, his relationship with the club soured during the following Championship campaign, particularly after he pushed for a move in the summer of 2023.
Though he remained at the club and eventually returned to the first team, Gnonto struggled for consistency and never fully regained the trust of manager Daniel Farke. With competition from the likes of Dan James, Crysencio Summerville, and Jaidon Anthony (while on loan), Gnonto found himself frequently on the fringes.
Buonanotte’s arrival would likely push him even further down the pecking order. With Dan James a proven option on the right and Buonanotte capable of covering both central and wide attacking positions, there may be little room for Gnonto in Farke’s system.
As a result, Leeds are expected to listen to offers for the Italian this summer. Everton, Inter Milan, and Juventus have all expressed interest in the past, and with his contract running until 2027, Leeds will demand a fee in the region of £30 million — the same price they are prepared to spend on Buonanotte. In essence, the club may see Gnonto as the key to funding the Argentine’s transfer.
Building for Survival: More Signings to Come
Buonanotte may be the headline target, but Leeds’ summer rebuild won’t stop there. The club is also actively looking to bring in a new goalkeeper, central defender, and central midfielder. Illan Meslier’s future remains uncertain, and defensive reinforcements are vital if Leeds hope to avoid the kind of defensive frailties that plagued them during their last stint in the Premier League.
Midfield is also a priority, especially with the departure of Glen Kamara under consideration and questions over the long-term fitness of players like Stuart Dallas and Adam Forshaw.
The return to the top flight brings both opportunity and pressure. Leeds cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of 2022–23, when poor squad planning and managerial instability saw them drop out of the Premier League after just two seasons. This time, under Farke’s more measured approach, the club hopes to build a more balanced, durable squad capable of not only surviving but establishing itself in mid-table.
What Buonanotte Could Bring to Leeds
If Leeds can pull off the signing, Buonanotte would instantly become one of the most exciting talents at Elland Road. His flair, vision, and ability to operate in tight spaces would give Farke a valuable creative outlet in matches where Leeds need to break down stubborn defences.
He also represents a shift in Leeds’ transfer strategy — a move toward acquiring players who are already somewhat proven in English football, even at a young age. Unlike past gambles on unknown quantities from abroad, Buonanotte has shown he can handle the physicality and pace of the Premier League and Championship.
Off the pitch, his arrival would be a signal of intent from the 49ers Enterprises and a message to the fanbase: Leeds are not here to make up the numbers. They are here to compete.
Conclusion: A Defining Summer for Leeds United
Leeds United are at a crossroads. With Premier League football secured for the 2025–26 season, the club must now get its recruitment right — not just to survive, but to take meaningful steps forward. The potential signing of Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton could be one of the defining moves of the summer: a player of genuine quality who fits the manager’s system and aligns with the club’s long-term vision.
But every arrival has a cost, and for Willy Gnonto, that cost may be his place at Elland Road. Once a fan favourite and one of the Championship’s brightest prospects, his time at Leeds may now be coming to a close.
As fans watch the summer window unfold, one thing is clear — big decisions lie ahead for Daniel Farke and the Leeds United hierarchy. And the outcome of the Buonanotte-Gnonto saga could shape the club’s trajectory for years to come.