Facundo Buonanotte’s agent snubs Everton before Leeds move as offer revealed – Exclusive
Everton made an offer to sign Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton this winter.
The Toffees have been linked to various stars so far in the January window, with the latest being Youssef En-Nesyri after Everton tabled a bid for the striker.
Midfield reinforcements are also in mind for David Moyes and Co., with Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri also emerging as a target recently.
That doesn’t come as a surprise based on Merlin Rohl’s recent struggles for Everton, with a new attacking option potentially in the pipeline.
It appears this sparked the Blues to make a move for Buonanotte, as they tabled an offer to sign the Brighton man on loan.
Everton offer for Facundo Buonanotte snubbed by agent
With Iliman Ndiaye away at AFCON with Senegal, there is a need for a number 10 option at the Hill Dickinson Stadium right now.
The likes of Jack Grealish and Tyler Dibling provide creativity, but operate better from the flanks as opposed to a starting central position.
Buonanotte could have provided depth in that area while also having the capability to feature slightly deeper if necessary.
The Argentine has now joined Leeds United on loan until the end of the season, but it appears that the Toffees had an offer on the table for his services.
Former Everton scout Bryan King has suggested that Buonanotte’s agent opted for a Leeds move due to better financial terms being tabled.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, King said: “I would imagine they looked at him, but his agent and player have made the decision.
“They probably thought better of joining Everton for whatever reason.
“It probably comes down to money and what sort of offer is on the table.
“If Leeds offered more than Everton did, then the agent has an easy decision to make, really.“
Buonanotte could have helped Everton massively
The Argentine has been a bit-part player for Chelsea this season, but that won’t come as a surprise after his bizarre loan move.
Buonanotte has still scored one and assisted two across his eight appearances at Stamford Bridge, adding to his impressive spell at Leicester City.
The Foxes may have been relegated in his time at the King Power, but the 21-year-old was easily a standout under Enzo Maresca.
His nine-goal involvements with 1513 minutes under his belt for the East Midland outfit would likely translate well on Merseyside, but we’ll never quite know.
He has now opted to join Daniel Farke at Leeds, so it will be interesting to see how he performs at Elland Road.
Stay up to date this winter with our Everton transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Hill Dickinson, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.