BREAKING NEWS- Tottenham reportedly tables £20m+ bid to sign highly rated sensational “magician” dubbed the new “Lionel Messi” due to clear similarity and traits between their game play
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly made a significant move in their efforts to bolster their attacking options for the 2025 season by tabling an offer to sign highly-rated teenage talent, Facundo Buonanotte. The young Argentine has been making waves in the Premier League and has already drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi for his dazzling skills and ability to control games from the midfield. This move is part of Tottenham’s ongoing strategy to strengthen their squad and provide head coach Ange Postecoglou with the attacking firepower he needs to take the club forward. The offer to Buonanotte highlights Tottenham’s ambition to improve their creative depth, which has been a point of concern for much of the current season.
So far, Dejan Kulusevski has emerged as a crucial player for Postecoglou in the early part of the Premier League campaign, offering a consistent attacking threat. However, James Maddison has struggled to find consistent form since his move to Tottenham, with flashes of brilliance often overshadowed by periods of inconsistency. While Maddison’s moments of magic have been evident, there has been a distinct lack of alternatives for Postecoglou to turn to when the creative sparks fail to fly. This inconsistency in the creative department has exposed the team’s weaknesses, particularly as the squad lacks a true, reliable playmaker capable of influencing games on a regular basis.
Postecoglou, known for his attacking brand of football, has experimented with various midfield configurations, trying to find the right balance. One of these experiments included using Pape Sarr as a box-to-box midfielder, but the coach has yet to settle on a definitive trio that could consistently support the team’s offensive ambitions. This lack of stability in the midfield has been one of the key reasons Tottenham has struggled to find any sustained form in the opening quarter of the Premier League season. Despite their efforts in the transfer market over recent windows, Tottenham have failed to land some of their key targets, including Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White, both of whom were seen as potential solutions to their midfield conundrum.
The inability to bring in these key players has left Tottenham feeling somewhat light in terms of creativity and depth. This lack of a true creative midfielder has become a noticeable issue for Postecoglou’s team, making it difficult to maintain fluidity in their attacking play. With these challenges in mind, Tottenham is now focusing on making a significant signing to address this shortfall in the squad. The club has reportedly set their sights on Buonanotte, a teenager who has quickly captured attention for his remarkable ability to take control of matches and drive his team forward with skill and flair.
Buonanotte’s rise to prominence has been swift. After breaking through at Argentine club Rosario Central under the guidance of former Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez, Buonanotte’s performances caught the eye of European scouts. His ability to accelerate past defenders, coupled with his dribbling and playmaking abilities, have drawn inevitable comparisons to one of football’s greatest talents, Lionel Messi. Tevez, in particular, has been vocal in his praise for Buonanotte, claiming that watching him play gives him the same pleasure he once felt when watching Messi perform at his peak. “When he brakes and accelerates, he reminds me of Messi. He is at a very high level,” Tevez said. These words of endorsement from a former star like Tevez only added to the hype surrounding the young talent, and many in the football world believe Buonanotte has a bright future ahead of him.
Brighton & Hove Albion took the bold step of signing Buonanotte in 2024, securing him from Rosario Central. However, to aid his development, the Premier League club immediately loaned him out to Leicester City for the 2024-25 season, where he has continued to impress. In his first few months at Leicester, Buonanotte has quickly established himself as one of the standout performers for a team that has had its fair share of struggles in the league. With four goals and two assists already to his name, the 19-year-old has shown he has the potential to make a significant impact in English football. His performances have drawn widespread praise, with some referring to him as a “magician” for his ability to unlock defenses and create opportunities for his teammates, even in a struggling Leicester side.
Buonanotte’s rapid rise has made him an attractive target for top clubs across Europe, including Tottenham, who are reportedly keen on bringing him to north London. Tottenham have made an offer of €25 million (£20.7 million) for the teenager, with additional add-ons that could potentially increase the final fee. While this offer is substantial, it falls short of Brighton’s asking price of €30 million (£24 million), which is the figure the Seagulls are reportedly hoping to receive for Buonanotte’s services. However, any potential move for Buonanotte would not take place until the summer, given that he is currently on loan at Leicester for the rest of the season.
With Buonanotte’s form showing no signs of slowing down, Tottenham may face stiff competition from other clubs if they wait too long to finalize a deal. His performances for Leicester could further increase his market value, particularly if he continues to contribute with goals and assists. If Buonanotte reaches double figures in either goals or assists by the end of the season, it is likely that his price tag will rise accordingly. Given this, Tottenham may want to act quickly to secure an agreement with Brighton, before other clubs enter the race for the teenager’s signature.
At the same time, Brighton may be wise to hold out until the summer to negotiate a higher fee for Buonanotte, especially if his form continues to capture the attention of Europe’s top clubs. While Tottenham is eager to bring the talented youngster to north London, they may need to be prepared for a protracted negotiation if Brighton stands firm on their asking price. With both clubs keenly aware of Buonanotte’s growing potential, the summer transfer window is likely to see an exciting battle for his signature. If Tottenham can land Buonanotte, they will have secured one of the brightest young talents in world football, a player who could play a pivotal role in Postecoglou’s attacking setup for years to come.