Having signed the likes of Alexis MacAllister and Julio Enciso (amongst others), it’s clear Brighton & Hove Albion have a decent scouting set up in South America.
Those in charge of that area continue their arduous work to date, as César Luis Merlo, a journalist for TyC Sports in Argentina, took to Twitter to relay the latest starlet they are looking at: Facundo Buonanotte.
Just 17 years of age, the attacking midfielder is already a regular starter for his team, Rosario Central, scoring three goals and picking up an assist in 30 appearances to date.
Merlo explains that Brighton ‘returned to the fray’ for the player, and his club have ‘let it be known they are ready to listen’ on one condition.
🚨Brighton volvió a la carga por Facundo Buonanotte, talento de 17 años de Rosario Central.
*️⃣El "Canalla" hizo saber que está dispuesto a escuchar si mejoran la última oferta (u$s 6M + 6 en bonos).
*️⃣El talentoso juvenil acaba contrato en junio de 2023.— César Luis Merlo (@CLMerlo) October 8, 2022
To date, it’s said that the Seagulls have offered $6m + $6m in bonuses, but Rosario Central want them to ‘improve’ that to hold talks.
While it’s admirable for the Argentine side to want as much money for their young player, what doesn’t work in their favour is his contractual situation.
That’s because Buonanotte’s deal ends in June of next year.
Therefore, there’s only so much money Rosario Central can ask for if they want to monetise an exit, as Brighton will not want to overpay for a player’s whose contract expires in less than a year.
Something to keep an eye on.