Fabrizio Romano has shared a surprising transfer update involving a Chelsea forward who featured in Liam Rosenior’s debut as manager.
While new arrivals are not expected at Stamford Bridge this month, departures seem inevitable, with several players either sidelined or struggling through tough loan spells away from London.
Leo Castledine has already made his exit permanent, joining Middlesbrough following an impressive loan spell at Huddersfield. Chelsea are understood to have received a modest £1 million fee for the midfielder.
Transfer speculation is mounting around several players, with Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi reportedly attracting interest from Serie A clubs.
Furthermore, David Datro Fofana is a target for Celtic, Derby County, and Antwerp. In addition to these potential moves, a player currently on loan is now expected to depart the club this January.
Facundo Buonanotte closing in on Leeds United move
Rosenior gave 21-year-old Facundo Buonanotte his eighth appearance for Chelsea on Saturday night, and the playmaker made the most of it, setting up a key goal in the win over Charlton.
Back in the summer, Buonanotte looked set to join Leeds before the Blues stepped in at the last minute and brought him over from Brighton. It was a move that raised a few eyebrows at the time.
Now, it appears he is looking to put things right. According to Fabrizio Romano, Buonanotte is expected to end his loan spell at Chelsea early, head back to Brighton, and then link up with Leeds on loan for the rest of the season.
Romano reports: “EXCLUSIVE: Leeds United reach verbal agreement to sign Facundo Buonanotte! Chelsea to interrupt loan move from Brighton. Move to Leeds will be on loan until the end of the season.”
Facundo Buonanotte exit comes after Liam Rosenior chat
Buonanotte’s loan to Chelsea was always a bit odd. He was meant to be back-up for Cole Palmer, but even when Palmer was out, the Argentine did not see much action, with Enzo Fernandez or Joao Pedro often preferred instead.
Still, he looked sharp against Charlton and reports this week suggest Rosenior has been speaking with fringe players like Buonanotte to try and give them a bit more confidence in their roles.
Simon Phillips reported on his Substack: “Rosenior has spoken to every player in his group and told them that he trusts them, including the likes of Filip Jorgensen and Facundo Buonanotte.”
But now the Argentine has opted to end his loan spell at Chelsea and join a club where he is expected to play regularly – something he probably should have done back at the start of the season.
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