Facundo Buonanotte joins Chelsea from Premier League rivals Brighton on season-long loan deal
Updated 01/09/2025 at 15:59 GMT+1
Facundo Buonanotte has become the latest player to join Chelsea from Premier League rivals Brighton, with the Argentina international completing a season-long loan deal. There is reportedly no option or obligation to make the transfer a permanent one at the end of its term. Buonanotte spent last season on loan at Leicester City, but he was unable to prevent their relegation to the Championship.
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Argentine midfielder Facundo Buonanotte has moved to Chelsea from Brighton on a season-long loan deal.
"I’m very happy to join Chelsea", Buonanotte said.
"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."
After joining Brighton in January 2023, Buonanotte made a strong start to his career on the south coast and featured regularly in his first 18 months with the club.
However, the 20-year-old found himself on the fringes of the squad since Fabian Hurzeler's arrival as Brighton boss last summer and spent last season on loan at Leicester City.
Buonanotte enjoyed an impressive spell at the King Power Stadium but his six goals in 35 appearances across all competitions proved not enough to help Leicester stay in the Premier League.
Asked why the attacking midfielder is heading out on loan again, Hurzeler said: "This is a great opportunity for Facundo to play regular Premier League and UEFA Champions League football this season and further his development.
"Facundo has great potential and we see his long-term future with us here, and we will be monitoring his progress."
Buonanotte will be met by familiar faces at Stamford Bridge, with several members of the Chelsea team knowing him well from their time at Brighton, including co-sporting director Paul Winstanley and director of global recruitment Sam Jewell.
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The clubs have had a close relationship in recent years with a number of staff members and players leaving Brighton to join Chelsea.
Graham Potter left his role as Brighton manager in 2022 to take over at their Premier League rivals - shortly after defender Marc Cucurella made the same move.
Moises Caicedo joined Cucurella at Stamford Bridge a year later after impressing at Brighton, while Joao Pedro signed for The Blues prior to the FIFA Club World Cup.
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