Brighton may soon have more than one phone call to answer about Facundo Buonanotte.
The Seagulls have already seen River Plate and Rosario Central emerge as contenders for the 21-year-old over the past week, with both clubs exploring the possibility of bringing him back to Argentina after another stop-start spell in England.
Now, another heavyweight has reportedly joined the race.
According to Argentine outlet El Intransigente, Boca Juniors have entered the picture after manager Rodolfo Arruabarrena personally identified Buonanotte as a target.
The report claims Arruabarrena has already asked club president Juan Román Riquelme to try to make a deal happen during this transfer window, putting Boca alongside River and Rosario Central in the battle for the Brighton midfielder.
Three clubs, one obvious obstacle
From Brighton’s perspective, nothing has really changed. Buonanotte has returned to the club following the end of his loan at Leeds United, where he struggled to establish himself.
After making just four appearances and failing to register a goal or assist, another move already looks like a realistic possibility. The question is where.
River have been the most persistent admirers so far. Reports in recent weeks claimed Eduardo Coudet had personally requested the player and that negotiations had already begun over a potential loan.
Rosario Central then emerged as another serious candidate. Journalist Ariel Porcile revealed that enquiries had already been made to Brighton, although he also described the operation as “very difficult” because of the player’s standing in England and the likelihood of other loan opportunities.
Now Boca are trying to throw themselves into the mix.
Brighton still hold all the cards
Despite the growing interest, Brighton remain in complete control. Buonanotte is under contract until 2028 and there has been no indication the Seagulls are considering a permanent sale.
With his reported valuation well beyond the reach of Argentine clubs, every report coming out of the country points towards the same solution – another loan. That means the real decision rests with Brighton.
Do they keep him in England? Find another European loan? Or decide that regular football back in Argentina would be the best way to get his career moving again?
One thing has become clear over the last few days: Buonanotte’s name is gathering momentum back home. First River Plate, then Rosario Central, now Boca Juniors.
Brighton suddenly have three of Argentina’s biggest clubs watching closely to see what happens next.
