- Exclusive from Graeme Bailey
Facundo Buonanotte has been Leicester City’s star player this season by a country mile.
The 19-year-old joined in the summer with little to no expectation from Leicester fans but has already become a fan favourite.
Buonanotte has three goals and two assists in all competitions and has looked comfortable at Premier League level.
Steve Cooper was hesitant to start him at first but the Argentine is now one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Given how good he has been, there have been calls from the Foxes faithful for the club to do everything they can to sign him permanently.
With fans hoping that Buonanotte will extend his stay at the King Power Stadium beyond the end of the season, we spoke to Graeme Bailey to get the latest on the situation.
Brighton have no plans to sell Facundo Buonanotte next season
Sadly for everyone associated with Leicester, it looks as if any deal to sign the attacking midfielder is all but over before they even started.
Speaking to Leicester City News, Bailey revealed that Brighton won’t sell under any circumstances and have him firmly in their plans.
He said: “Leicester would love the chance to keep Buonanotte long-term, firstly it would it would indicate they have stayed in the Premier League, but they know even them staying up will not see him staying.”
- READ MORE: How Leicester City star really feels about ‘viral’ comparison to Lionel Messi, stats prove him wrong
Bailey added that the Foxes aren’t the only side who are interested in signing Buonanotte, with some high-profile European clubs also sniffing around. Like Leicester though, their chances are non existent.
“Buonanotte is regarded very highly by Brighton, there has even been interest in his displays from the likes of Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund, but Brighton are making it clear that they have no intention of even listening to an approach for Buonanotte. He is not for sale,” the expert added.
Buonanotte to miss first Leicester game after international break
Leicester will be without the midfielder for the first game after the international break when the Foxes welcome former boss Enzo Maresca and his Chelsea side to the East Midlands.
The 19-year-old picked up his fifth yellow card of the season in the Premier League in the defeat against Manchester United.
As a result, this means that he must now serve a one-game suspension as per Premier League rules. He will be eligible to return for the away trip to Brentford on November 30.