Leicester City ‘nearing’ fifth summer signing, with medical potentially scheduled for ‘today’
After securing promotion from the Championship in the 2023/24 season, Leicester City quickly moved to bolster their squad for the upcoming Premier League campaign.
New manager Steve Cooper received substantial support from owner Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha early in the transfer window.
The club signed 18-year-old Michael Golding from Chelsea for around £5 million and brought in Bobby De Cordova-Reid on a free transfer.
They also made significant investments to finalize permanent deals for Issahaku Fatawu and center-back Caleb Okoli.
However, recent weeks have seen a slowdown in their transfer activity despite ongoing rumors. Chelsea striker David Fofan has been linked with Leicester as they look to strengthen their currently underperforming attack.
The club is also considering a move for Amir Richardson, with a replacement for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall still needed.
As Leicester prepares for the 2024/25 Premier League season, they aim to strengthen three key areas: central midfield, the number 10 role, and center-forward.
It appears they are close to addressing one of these needs with a potential new signing.
According to Daily Mail journalist Tom Collomosse, Leicester is ‘closing in’ on a loan deal for Brighton and Hove Albion star Facundo Buonanotte.
The transfer could be finalized soon, with Buonanotte potentially undergoing his medical as early as today.
Buonanotte joined Brighton from Argentine club CA Rosario Central in January 2023 for approximately £5 million.
In his first half-season with Brighton, he made 13 Premier League appearances, scoring once and providing one assist.
During the previous season, he was more involved, scoring three goals and assisting once in 27 matches. Notably, he scored a stunning goal in a 5-2 FA Cup victory over Sheffield United in January 2024.
As a natural number 10, Buonanotte could fill a crucial role in the midfield, an area that has been a problem for Leicester.
At just 19, he is a versatile attacking midfielder who can also play on the right wing if needed.
Leicester has struggled with creative output during pre-season, and Buonanotte’s arrival could provide a much-needed spark as they head into the new season.
Despite his relative lack of experience, given Leicester’s financial constraints, he represents a valuable signing this summer.
