IT’S A DONE DEAL! Chelsea sanction second exit of Rosenior era in shock transfer twist

Chelsea have confirmed that Facundo Buonanotte’s loan spell has been terminated early, allowing the Argentine attacker to complete a move to Leeds United for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

The 20-year-old joined Chelsea on a season-long loan from Brighton on summer Deadline Day, but has managed just one Premier League appearance all season – a start against Brentford in September – since Cole Palmer returned from injury and reclaimed the attacking-midfield role.

Buonanotte is now heading to Elland Road six months ahead of schedule after the Blues agreed to cut the loan short. Standard Sport understands he is travelling to Leeds on Thursday afternoon to undergo a medical and finalise the switch.

In a remarkable twist, the same Leeds side that looked set to sign him in the summer – only for Chelsea to swoop in at the last moment – have now secured the player they originally targeted.

Chelsea viewed Buonanotte as a cost-effective squad depth option, but minutes have been scarce. He scored once in eight appearances across all competitions, with his goal coming in a Carabao Cup third-round victory over Lincoln City. His most recent outing was in the FA Cup third-round win over Charlton last weekend, Liam Rosenior’s first match as head coach.

The youngster was an unused substitute in Wednesday’s 3-2 Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg defeat to Arsenal.

Buonanotte becomes the second departure of the Rosenior era, following Leo Castledine’s permanent transfer to Middlesbrough last week. Chelsea have also recalled left-back Caleb Wiley from Watford and goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe from Bolton.

Leeds are pushing to register Buonanotte in time for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Fulham at Elland Road.