Facundo Buonanotte has become the subject of growing transfer interest in Argentina, with three of the country’s biggest clubs now monitoring his situation as uncertainty surrounds his future at Brighton & Hove Albion. After spending another inconsistent season in English football, the talented 21-year-old attacking midfielder appears to be attracting significant attention from his homeland, where several clubs are eager to offer him an opportunity to revive his career.
Earlier reports had already linked Buonanotte with a possible return to Argentina, with both River Plate and his boyhood club Rosario Central expressing strong interest in signing him. However, the race for his signature has intensified following the emergence of Boca Juniors as another serious contender.
According to Argentine media outlet El Intransigente, Boca Juniors have officially entered the pursuit after head coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena personally requested that the club move for Buonanotte during the current transfer window. The report states that Arruabarrena views the Brighton midfielder as an ideal addition to his squad and has urged club president Juan Román Riquelme to begin exploring the possibility of bringing the player to La Bombonera.
The development places Boca Juniors alongside River Plate and Rosario Central, creating a three-way battle among some of Argentina’s most successful and historic clubs for the signature of the Brighton youngster.
River Plate remain long-term admirers
While Boca’s interest is the latest development, River Plate have been regarded as the most determined suitors throughout the transfer window. Previous reports suggested that River manager Eduardo Coudet personally identified Buonanotte as one of his priority transfer targets and requested the club’s hierarchy to pursue a deal.
Negotiations were reportedly initiated regarding a potential loan move, as River believe the former Rosario Central academy graduate possesses the technical quality and creativity needed to strengthen their midfield options. The Argentine giants have remained optimistic that Brighton could be willing to sanction another temporary departure if regular first-team opportunities at the Amex Stadium appear limited.
Rosario Central dream of bringing their academy graduate home
Rosario Central have also continued to monitor the situation closely. As the club where Buonanotte developed before earning his move to the Premier League, there is a strong emotional connection between player and club.
Journalist Ariel Porcile previously revealed that Rosario Central had already contacted Brighton to enquire about the possibility of signing Buonanotte. However, he also acknowledged that completing such a deal would be extremely challenging due to the financial gap between Argentine clubs and Premier League sides.
The midfielder’s salary, market valuation and Brighton’s expectations make a permanent transfer virtually impossible for Rosario Central at this stage, leaving a loan arrangement as the only realistic pathway.
Difficult spell at Leeds raises fresh questions
Buonanotte has returned to Brighton following the conclusion of his loan spell at Leeds United, but the temporary move failed to deliver the breakthrough many had anticipated.
The Argentine struggled for consistent opportunities throughout the campaign, making only four first-team appearances without scoring or providing an assist. His limited involvement has naturally reignited speculation about his long-term future, with another loan increasingly viewed as the most sensible option for both player and club.
Having already experienced mixed fortunes in England, Buonanotte is now at an important stage of his development where regular competitive football will be crucial if he is to fulfil the immense potential he displayed before arriving in the Premier League.
Brighton remain firmly in control of the situation
Despite the increasing interest from Argentina, Brighton are under no immediate pressure to make a decision. The Seagulls still hold a strong negotiating position, with Buonanotte tied to a contract that runs until 2028.
There has been no indication that the Premier League club is prepared to sell the midfielder permanently this summer. Instead, Brighton appear likely to assess all available options before determining the best environment for the youngster’s continued development.
Financially, a permanent move to Argentina appears highly unlikely. Buonanotte’s valuation is well beyond what even the country’s biggest clubs can comfortably afford, making a loan agreement the only realistic solution currently being discussed.
Brighton must now decide whether to integrate him into Fabian Hürzeler’s plans for the new Premier League season, arrange another loan elsewhere in Europe where the level of competition remains high, or allow him to return to Argentina in search of regular minutes and renewed confidence.
Interest continues to gather momentum
What began as interest from River Plate has quickly evolved into one of the most closely watched transfer stories involving an Argentine player this summer. Rosario Central soon entered the race, and now Boca Juniors have added further competition after receiving direct backing from manager Rodolfo Arruabarrena.
With three of Argentina’s footballing giants now vying for Buonanotte’s signature, Brighton find themselves in a position of strength. Although the player’s future remains undecided, it is increasingly evident that he remains highly regarded in his homeland, where several clubs believe a return could help reignite the career of one of Argentina’s most promising young midfielders.
