Chelsea terminate transfer with Leeds United set to snap up Blues flop | Football | Sport
Chelsea’s Facundo Buonanotte has verbally agreed to cut short his loan spell at Stamford Bridge and join Premier League outfit Leeds United. Buonanotte came to the Blues on a season-long loan in the summer, having appeared close to securing a move to Elland Road. The attacking midfielder has only featured in eight matches this season, netting just one goal.
The Argentine spent the previous season on loan at Leicester City, making 35 appearances. Despite scoring six goals and providing three assists, he couldn’t prevent the club from being relegated. After signing under Enzo Maresca, Buonanotte was in the starting line-up for Liam Rosenior’s first match in charge against Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup. Buonanotte was left on the bench during Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg loss to Arsenal.
Now, it is understood that the 21-year-old will depart Stamford Bridge to spend the remainder of the season with Leeds. It is believed that Chelsea mutually agreed to end the loan with Brighton to allow Buonanotte to join Leeds.
After turning down a move to Leeds in the summer to join Chelsea instead, the two-time Argentina international stated: “I’m very happy to join Chelsea. It’s a great opportunity for me and I’m just looking to add as much to the squad as possible, help the team and help the staff.”
He added: “What you want is to play so you can be in the Argentine national team, but when a club as big as Chelsea comes along, you can’t say no.
“I wanted to take on this challenge to prove I’m up to it. (I’m) very happy and very comfortable. It’s (the Premier League) the best league in the world. It never ceases to surprise you. Something different can happen every minute.”
Buonanotte’s departure will mark the first transfer decision under Rosenior. The Chelsea manager was confirmed as Maresca’s successor last week after impressing the club hierarchy with his achievements at Strasbourg.
Reports have suggested that the club are prepared to provide their new head coach with a new defender in January, over the remaining two-and-a-half weeks. With Levi Colwill sidelined for the season, the Blues chose not to invest heavily in a new centre-back during the summer.
With Champions League football and Premier League fixtures expected to be balanced in the second half of the season, it’s understood that Chelsea are looking at bringing forward their plans to strengthen Rosenior’s defence.
David Datro Fofana, Tyrique George, Axel Disasi and Raheem Sterling have all also been linked with potential exits. Kendry Paez has also attracted interest from England following his impressive performances at Strasbourg.
