Better than Buonanotte: Leeds weighing up swoop for “magical” £20m star
Leeds United Plot Key Reinforcements Across the Squad Ahead of Premier League Return – With Eyes on “Magical” £20m Midfield Maestro
Leeds United are actively exploring multiple avenues in the transfer market as they prepare for life back in the Premier League. Following a successful promotion campaign, manager Daniel Farke is determined to ensure that the club is not just in the top flight to survive, but to compete confidently. As such, bolstering the squad remains a key priority across several positions.
A Squad Overhaul Underway
Leeds have already begun strengthening their ranks, with one of their first targets being Wolfsburg striker Lukas Nmecha. The 26-year-old German international registered five goals in 24 appearances across all competitions last season, including three in the Bundesliga. While not prolific, Nmecha’s versatility and physical presence could make him an asset for Farke’s system.
The arrival of Nmecha would add competition up front, where Joel Piroe, Patrick Bamford, and young Mateo Joseph are all vying for spots. However, Leeds’ transfer activity will not end there. The Whites are looking to reinforce creativity in the final third – especially in the crucial number ten role.
Leeds Targeting Premier League-Experienced Playmakers
Among the creative midfielders linked with a move to Elland Road is Facundo Buonanotte, a highly rated 20-year-old playmaker currently on the books at Brighton & Hove Albion. Reports earlier in the summer suggested Leeds were confident of completing a £30 million deal for the Argentine, but updates have since gone quiet.
Buonanotte spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Leicester City, gaining valuable Premier League experience. Despite the Foxes suffering relegation, Buonanotte stood out with five goals and two assists in 31 appearances, starting 14 times. His underlying numbers were impressive as well, with an xG of 3.93 and seven big chances created – superior to Brenden Aaronson’s metrics during his stint with Leeds in the 2022/23 Premier League campaign.
The Argentine’s blend of technical ability, vision, and attacking instinct makes him a compelling prospect. He had previously shown glimpses of his talent in the 2023/24 season, with three goals and one assist, and his development at Leicester suggests an upward trajectory.
But Buonanotte Isn’t the Only Option – And He Might Not Be the Best
While Buonanotte remains on Leeds’ radar, he’s not the only attacking midfielder being considered. According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Leeds are also exploring moves for Gustavo Hamer of Sheffield United and Emiliano Buendia of Aston Villa. Speaking to Leeds United News, Bailey remarked:
> “What we’re seeing in the no.10 role is that Leeds are able to be picky. There’s no need to jump in with both feet on a Hamer or a Buendia. But I firmly believe Leeds will sign a no.10, and I also believe the front-runners are those two.”
This flexibility puts Leeds in a strong negotiating position. The club is taking its time to identify the ideal fit for Farke’s system, and there’s reason to believe that Buendia, in particular, might be the standout candidate.
Why Buendia Could Be the Superior Signing
A £20 million valuation has reportedly been set by Aston Villa for Buendia, who spent the latter part of last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, where he scored twice in 11 Bundesliga appearances. While his time at Villa has had highs and lows, there is no questioning his pedigree and suitability for Leeds.
Buendia has a well-established relationship with Farke, having thrived under the German’s leadership at Norwich City. Across 121 games for the Canaries under Farke, Buendia contributed a staggering 24 goals and 41 assists. His 2020/21 Championship campaign was particularly remarkable: 15 goals, 16 assists, and 18 big chances created – making him arguably the most productive player in the league that season.
Statistical Breakdown: Buendia’s Impact
FBref data paints a picture of a player who excels in nearly every key creative and attacking metric:
Non-penalty goals per 90: 0.38 (Top 7%)
Assists per 90: 0.41 (Top 2%)
Expected Assisted Goals (xAG): 0.36 (Top 1%)
Shot-creating actions per 90: 6.46 (Top 1%)
Progressive passes per 90: 7.82 (Top 1%)
Passes into final third per 90: 5.81 (Top 1%)
Passes into penalty area per 90: 2.17 (Top 1%)
Buendia’s advanced playmaking numbers demonstrate a level of control, precision, and attacking flair that few midfielders in the Championship – or even the Premier League – can match.
Farke’s Familiarity with Buendia Could Be Key
What makes Buendia even more valuable to Leeds is the existing understanding he has with Farke. That tactical chemistry can take months for a new player to develop, but in Buendia’s case, it already exists. His comfort in the system, familiarity with the coach’s expectations, and knowledge of the English game make him a ready-made solution.
By contrast, Buonanotte, despite his potential, remains relatively raw. He has yet to produce more than six goals or three assists in a single season, and adapting to a new team under a manager he hasn’t worked with before could take time – a luxury newly-promoted Leeds might not have.
Final Verdict: Buendia the Safer and Smarter Bet
With the Premier League campaign approaching rapidly, Leeds’ decision in the number ten position could be pivotal to their survival and progress. While Buonanotte represents an exciting long-term project, Buendia offers proven quality, Premier League experience, and tactical familiarity with the head coach.
If Leeds are serious about hitting the ground running, signing Buendia could be the smarter, more pragmatic choice. He combines creativity, work ethic, leadership, and an ability to rise to the occasion – all traits that would serve the Whites well in a competitive top-flight environment.
With attacking reinforcements still a high priority, and other signings like Nmecha already lined up, the acquisition of a player like Buendia could round off what is shaping up to be a strong and purposeful summer window at Elland Road.