Facundo Buonanotte in action with the bal for Chelsea in 2025 Champions League

Facundo Buonanotte: “I couldn’t say no” to Chelsea despite struggles

John William Last updated: Oct 7, 2025, 1:20 pm
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Image: IMAGO / Pro Sports Images

Facundo Buonanotte has opened up on his surprise summer switch from Brighton to Chelsea, admitting that while he hasn’t yet made a big impact, rejecting the chance to join the Blues was impossible.

The 20-year-old winger was heavily linked with a move throughout the summer transfer window after spending last season on loan at Leicester City. A switch to Strasbourg initially looked likely, but the deal collapsed due to injury concerns. Instead, Buonanotte landed at Chelsea — another club within the BlueCo network — on a season-long loan.

The decision raised eyebrows, with many questioning the value for either side given Chelsea’s wealth of attacking options. With Estevao Willian, Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto all competing for wide roles, minutes were always going to be scarce. So far, Buonanotte has managed just three appearances totalling 189 minutes, including a full 90 in the EFL Cup win over Lincoln, and one goal in the Premier League.

Buonanotte: “I couldn’t turn Chelsea down”

Speaking to DSports Radio in Argentina, Buonanotte explained the thinking behind his move.

“What you want is to play so you can be in the Argentine national team, but when a club as big as Chelsea comes along, you can’t say no. I wanted to take on this challenge to prove I’m up to it. I’m very happy and very comfortable. It’s the best league in the world. It never ceases to surprise you — something different can happen every minute.” — Facundo Buonanotte

While playing time has been limited, Buonanotte emphasised his excitement at testing himself in one of the most competitive squads in Europe.

Settling in with Argentine support

One factor easing his transition has been the presence of fellow Argentines Enzo Fernández and Alejandro Garnacho. The young winger revealed that Fernández in particular has been instrumental in helping him feel at home.

“He’s a fundamental pillar. I learn from him every day, and he was the first to write to me when my move to the club was finalised. I don’t need to say anything about what he’s like on the pitch, because he’s a wonderful player and everyone sees that. But beyond that, he’s a great person.” — Facundo Buonanotte

Buonanotte’s Chelsea numbers so far

Stat (2025/26) Facundo Buonanotte
Appearances 3
Goals 1
Assists 0
Minutes Played 189

source: sofascore match data – 6 October 2025

The statistics underline Buonanotte’s limited involvement so far, though his solitary goal offers a glimpse of his potential contribution if given more opportunities.

Analyst verdict: a gamble yet to pay off

FootballPlace analyst John William believes the move highlights both opportunity and risk for Buonanotte:

“Chelsea’s project gives talented youngsters like Buonanotte exposure at the highest level, but the trade-off is fierce competition for minutes. His comments show he knows the scale of the challenge. If he takes his chances, even in cameo roles, he could still make this loan spell worthwhile.”

Key insights

  • Facundo Buonanotte joined Chelsea on loan from Brighton after a failed Strasbourg move.
  • The Argentine has played 3 games so far this season, scoring 1 goal.
  • He admitted he “couldn’t say no” to Chelsea despite heavy competition for places.
  • Buonanotte has leaned on Enzo Fernández’s support to settle in.
  • Questions remain over whether the move benefits him or Chelsea long term.

What’s next for Buonanotte and Chelsea?

Chelsea’s busy schedule across the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups could eventually open up more opportunities for Buonanotte to feature. For now, though, he must prove to Enzo Maresca that he can compete with established stars for minutes.

For the player himself, the challenge will be balancing development with patience. Breaking into Argentina’s senior squad remains a long-term goal, and greater game time will be needed to catch Lionel Scaloni’s eye.

👉 Do you think Facundo Buonanotte made the right call in joining Chelsea — or would Brighton have been the better place for his development?

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