Credit: Imago/Brighton and Hove Albion FC

Chris Smith

Tue 12 August 2025 20:02, UK

Brighton star Facundo Buonanotte looks set to be at the centre of a four-way transfer battle this summer.

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The Argentina international joined the Seagulls from Rosario Central in January 2023, but is yet to make a real impact at the Amex Stadium, with five goals and two assists in 50 appearances across all competitions.

However, Buonanotte enjoyed an excellent loan spell at Leicester City last season, registering six goals and three assists in 35 outings, despite the Foxes suffering relegation from the Premier League with just six wins and 25 points.

That form appears to have caught the attention of a host of clubs in the Premier League and beyond.

Photo Credit: Imago

According to the Daily Mail, German giants Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund have both enquired about taking Buonanotte on loan.

However, the Seagulls want the 20-year-old to remain in England to continue his development in the Premier League.

2024/25 statsFacundo BuonanotteAppearances35Goals6Assists3Buonanotte’s 2024/25 stats (all competitions)

There’s no shortage of interest there, though, with West Ham, Leeds and Nottingham Forest all keeping tabs on the situation, while Tottenham Hotspur are also weighing up whether or not they can afford a push for Buonanotte amid interest in Eberechi Eze and Nico Paz.

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But any Premier League club wishing to buy Buonanotte will be met with disappointment, as Brighton are only looking to sanction a loan deal for the talented playmaker.

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Brighton are not willing to be pushed around this summer (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

It’s been a rough transfer window for a number of Premier League clubs, and Brighton have suffered as much as anyone after selling Joao Pedro, Simon Andigra and Pervis Estupinan, among others.

However, the Seagulls appear to be drawing a line in the sand.

Only allowing the talented Buonanotte to leave on loan is one thing, but Brighton also seem to be digging in to keep Carlos Baleba from the clutches of Manchester United.

Baleba was sensational for Fabian Hurzeler’s side last season, finishing first among his teammates for tackles (79, FBref) and interceptions (46), while also featuring in the top three in a host of key ball-playing metrics.

That attention has attracted the attention of the Red Devils, who are now addressing their midfield after revamping the forward line with the signings of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

However, it’s understood Brighton are demanding a fee in excess of £100million for Baleba, which would make him the most expensive African player of all time.

Having already spent over £200m on forwards this summer, it’s hard to see United sanctioning such a move, and it serves as a clear signal that Brighton will not stand to be bullied in the transfer market.

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