Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC forward Joao Pedro (20) celebrates scoring their third goal with teammates during the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeenah Moon-Reuters via Imagn Images

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Chelsea Closing In on Loan Deal for Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte

Chelsea are on the verge of completing a season-long loan move for Brighton attacker Facundo Buonanotte. The Blues beat stiff competition from several Premier League rivals, including Leeds United. However, the loan deal for Buonanotte will not include an option or obligation to buy.

The 20-year-old Argentine has already won two senior caps for his national team. He spent last season on loan at Leicester City, where he impressed with six goals and three assists in 35 appearances, despite the Foxes’ relegation to the Championship. Since joining Brighton from Rosario Central in 2023, Buonanotte has made 50 appearances, netting five goals for the club.

🚨🔵 BREAKING: Facundo Buonanotte to Chelsea, here we go! Deal in place with loan move and there’s no buy option clause included.

❗️ Understand Chelsea will have chance to match future bids and get Buonanotte if they can agree with Brighton.

Exclusive story, confirmed. 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/0XlyzP4QKO
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 29, 2025

Buonanotte To Reunite With Several Ex-Brighton Players

Chelsea’s move comes as something of a surprise, with Leeds having been frontrunners to secure his services earlier in the summer. However, the Blues’ connections with Brighton have helped tilt negotiations in their favor. Should the deal go through, Buonanotte will reunite with several ex-Brighton players already at Stamford Bridge, including Marc Cucurella, Robert Sánchez, Moisés Caicedo, and João Pedro.

Also Read: Chelsea Champions League Opponents for 2025-26 Season: Who Are They Playing, Where and When?

At the same time, Brighton forward Julio Enciso is also expected to leave, with reports claiming he is close to joining Strasbourg, Chelsea’s partner club, in a £13.8m deal. The plan is for the Paraguayan to spend a year in France before eventually making the move to Stamford Bridge.

Ex Brighton players who are now part of the "BlueCo" project:

• Valentin Barco
• Julio Enciso
• Facundo Buonanotte
• Joao Pedro
• Robert Sanchez
• Marc Cucurella
• Moises Caicedo#BHAFC pic.twitter.com/nKkUFybE7Y
— Fred (@fred_bhafc) August 29, 2025

Also Read: Chelsea Transfer News: Maresca Target Barcelona Star Fermin Lopez for Premier League Push

Notably, the versatile forward is capable of playing on the right flank or as a No. 10. He is being seen as a valuable addition to Enzo Maresca’s squad as Chelsea seek greater attacking depth. Buonanotte would become Chelsea’s ninth signing of the summer, as the club continues to finetune their squad while managing strict financial regulations. Despite raising a record £265m in player sales this window, Chelsea remain under pressure to maintain a positive transfer balance after a £26m fine from UEFA for breaching financial rules.

Brighton & Hove Albion

Chelsea

Facundo Buonanotte

Premier League

Premier League 2025-26

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.