Facundo Buonanotte has been excellent for Leicester City since his summer transfer.
The Midlands outfit’s recruitment over the years hasn’t been great, but agreeing a loan deal for Facundo Buonanotte has proven to be a real stroke of genius.
The Argentine made the move to the King Power Stadium on a season-long loan deal from Brighton and Hove Albion.
He quickly established himself as a crucial player for Leicester City, providing a goal and an assist against Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham in the opening three weeks of 2024/25.
Buoanotte has been one of Leicester’s best players this season, even with Ruud van Nistelrooy recently dropping him on occasion.
Former player has excelled since leaving Leicester City
The Leicester manager revealed the plan for Buoanotte after his recent snub and he looks set to continue being a key player going forward.
He said: “Facundo is also a vital member of the team and will be very important in the months to come and help us to perform and he knows I’m thinking of him like that.”
However, there’s a former player Leicester let go for free who is currently outperforming the South American in 2024/25.
Max Gradel came up through the club’s youth ranks before being promoted to their senior team in 2007.
He made 33 appearances for Leicester and helped them win the League One title in 2008/09.
But in October 2009, he was allowed to join Leeds United on a free transfer and has gone on to thrive at both club and international level since.
Gradel won the Coupe de la Ligue in 2012/13 with Saint-Etienne, the Turkish Cup with Sivasspor in 2021/22 and has lifted the African Cup of Nations on two occasions with Ivory Coast (2015, 2023)
Max Gradel outperforming Facundo Buonanotte in 2024/25
Gradel is now 37 years of age but is still performing at a very high level with his current club.
The winger joined Turkish side Amed SK on a free transfer in September 2023 and has been in top form this term.
The 2024/25 season has so far seen the former Leicester man score two goals and provide five assists in 17 league outings.
In comparison, Buonanotte has three assists in the league, while Wilfred Ndidi has the most of any current Leicester player (4).