Well, we’ve got one over the line. Facundo Buonanotte who we came so close to signing on loan on the last day of the summer transfer window has joined and for me, this could be a masterstroke based on how we play.
I can understand why he was tempted by Chelsea, though it was probably ambitious to think he was going to break into the first team given the number of players they have. Also, Chelsea has been a club for a long time that doesn’t know what it’s doing and lacking in identity.
He is a handful though and was one of the brightest sparks I thought in a very poor Leicester City side (while on loan there), last season that got relegated. With the way we are playing now, I think he could really add something, especially based on his ability to take people on centrally in the opposition half and draw fouls.
Also, he can deliver a free-kick and, given the number of aerial threats that we have from a set-piece, he might just be a secret weapon. It’s not that he even did that bad at Chelsea; more the fact he wasn’t really given a chance. From what I saw, his talent and potential was there for all to see.
I think under Farke, he will really get a sense of, not only a genuine belief in his ability but also someone who has worked wonders with the likes’ of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Brenden Aaronson, almost in a similar way that Marcelo Bielsa made an average team look like ‘world beaters’ at times.
I’ve watched Argentinian 10s struggle in the Premier League before but Buonanotte is different. He isn’t just “luxury”. I think with the right complexion of players around him (which I think we now almost have), he is lethal. He’s a high-intensity transition engine with technical quality.
Tactical Insight: How The Argentinian Pivot Fits In
After what has been a successful shift to a 3-5-2/5-3-2 for Leeds from what was a vulnerable 4-3-3, I think we look like a completely different team.
We have natural width, look solid defensively, have a superb engine room with tenacity and two central attackers. Obviously Calvert-Lewin is the main man and Farke has tried Lukas Nmecha and Noah Okafor alongside him to mixed effect, while Aaronson has started to prove he can do well in for him, what seems to be a slightly deeper role. I think this is where Buonanotte will offer a valuable option if Farke doesn’t want two out-and-out strikers playing.
For me, this is a role in this system that is tailor made for the Argentine. What he is capable of means that he bridges the midfield (Anton Stach/Ao Tanaka, Ethan Ampadu/Ilia Gruev) and Calvert-Lewin perfectly. Aaronson has done this well, but I think Buonanotte will be more effective and he will probably have a bit more license than the American, due to his ability in the ‘half spaces’ that can cause opponents problems.
The Data Table: Why Chelsea Failed Vs. Why Leeds Will Succeed
| Metric Per 90 | Chelsea 25/26 | Leicester 24/25 | Potential At Leeds (Farke) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Touches in Opp. Box | 2.1 | 4.8 | High (Support for DCL) |
| Progressive Carries | 1.8 | 3.2 | Critical for Transitions |
| Successful Take-ons | 0.9 | 2.1 | The “Success Story” Key |
Based on the above, you can probably see why I think he will succeed at Leeds. With the way we play, I think he can be highly effective, especially in the way that we press in the attacking third and, as you can see in the video, when he is on the ball he looks dangerous.
The Inverted Pocket Specialist: Tactical Compatibility
What I like about him is that the half-space pockets that he operates in there is an unpredictable nature about him and playing behind two strikers, the vision that he has shown from his game can work wonders for us.
When he opens his body towards goal he forces the opposition defensive midfielder to vacate the centre of the pitch to track him which, I think, someone like Stach can take full advantage of, making a run to receive a pass to take a shot.
His low centre of gravity, similar to Aaronson is another major advantage that he has in his locker and this, combined with the number of physical players we have, I think can make us even more dangerous – particularly in transition when you factor in his ability to manipulate ball and also, in tight spaces.
The Technical & Physical Profile (2025/26 Analytics)
| Metric (Per 90 mins) | Value/Percentile | The “Observer” Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive Actions (Tackles/Blocks) | 5.14 (98th-99th Percentile) | This is the “Murderball” metric. He isn’t a luxury 10; he works harder defensively than almost any attacker in Europe |
| Progressive Pass Accuracy | 0.833 | High efficiency in “breaking lines.” He doesn’t just pass sideways; he moves the ball into the final third with precision |
| Top Sprint Speed | 19.80 mph | While not a “speedster” like Dan James, his acceleration in short bursts allows him to exploit the “half-spaces” |
| Shot-Creating Actions | 3.01 | He is a “Volume Creator.” Every 30 minutes he is on the pitch, he is statistically likely to trigger a shot on goal |
| Passes Into Final Third | 2.42 (75th Percentile) | Proof of his “Verticality.” He bypasses the opposition’s midfield block effectively |
| Aerial Duels Won | 1.06 (79th Percentile) | Surprisingly strong for his height (174cm). He can compete for Calvert-Lewin’s “knock-downs” |
In recent Champions League outings for Chelsea, the Argentine averaged nearly two miles per 30 minutes of play, which really fits the profile of the player Farke likes. While he may take a little while to adapt to our style, I have little doubt that this energy can be invaluable for us; especially over 90 minutes.
When you consider that we also have Aaronson who is similar, if those two play in tandem behind one striker, it will be a nightmare for opposition midfielders; they won’t get a minute and we will force errors high up the pitch.
The player also ranks in the top tier for initiating dangerous attacks (the pass before the assist); essentially, he is the architect of chaos, who can unlock the door three passes prior to a major chance being created.
At Thorp Arch, it’s highly likely that the statisticians and analysts will be monitoring his oculomotor response times; it’s one thing to see a pass while being static, but dribbling at 15 mph is another while under pressure from a top class Premier League midfielder.
I think Farke will gradually ease him into the side; maybe with a substitute appearance initially; possibly against a team like Nottingham Forest in our game at Elland Road if we are looking comfortable and need legs in the last 15 minutes.
The Future Looks Bright
All in all, I’m encouraged by Buonanotte and if his statistics and potential translate on the pitch and with our style of play I can really see him being an asset. I am a little bit annoyed that there isn’t a fee locked in at the end of the season because I think that would be a major attraction.
It would essentially mean we’re developing another Brighton player, like we did for Ben White who the Seagulls refused to sell to us once his loan came to an end. Understandable I suppose, because we didn’t get promoted that season. However, if he likes his time at Elland Road and we’re happy with him, then there might be a deal to be done there. Time will tell.
