Leeds United suffered a setback late on when Ethan Ampadu was forced off with an injury. His condition is now being monitored ahead of the Whites’ clash this weekend.
Daniel Farke’s system relies on a midfield trio with a mix of different qualities. While Leeds already boast ball-winners and box-to-box runners, they remain short of a genuine playmaker to dictate play.
Brenden Aaronson, who operated as a number 10 last season, was shifted to the wing when he came off the bench. That switch underlines the need for further attacking reinforcements, particularly a creative midfielder capable of operating as a number eight in Farke’s setup.
Earlier in the summer, the likes of Gus Hamer and Emi Buendia were identified as potential targets, while Bilal El Khannouss was strongly linked before edging closer to a move to Crystal Palace.
Now, a surprise contender has entered the frame — Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte. According to Beren Cross of The Athletic, the Argentine youngster is firmly on Leeds’ radar this window, alongside names such as James Justin, Noah Okafor, Hamer, Buendia and El Khannouss.
Once dubbed “the next Lionel Messi” by none other than Carlos Tevez, Buonanotte has long been tipped for stardom. As a teenager, Tevez praised his explosive acceleration and fearless mentality, insisting he hadn’t seen a talent like him in years.
Still only 20, Buonanotte has already shown flashes of brilliance. During his Premier League loan spell at Leicester last season, he contributed five goals and two assists, offering a glimpse of his ability to change games.
For a Leeds side crying out for creativity and flair in midfield, the Argentine could prove to be an ideal fit — and perhaps even the signing that transforms their promotion push.
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