Brighton and Hove Albion have signed an extended contract with Facundo Buonanotte and sent the teenager out on a season-long loan to Leicester City.
In quite a turnaround in both club’s fortunes, the 2016 Premier League champions – newly promoted to the top flight – are borrowing a player from the Seagulls.
The Argentina international made 27 Premier League appearances for Brighton last season, scoring three goals. He has signed a new deal that runs until June 2028.
Albion technical director David Weir said: “Facundo had a good breakthrough year last season and now he has an excellent opportunity to play regularly in the Premier League.
“This new contract is a reflection of the season Facundo had and that we see his long-term future being here.
“Pathway development manager Gordon Greer and his team will monitor Facundo closely and we wish him the best of luck for the season.”
The 19-year-old joined Brighton from Rosario Central in January last year and has since made 50 Albion appearances in all competitions.
His form for Albion was recognised by the Argentina national team in June last year when he made his international debut in a 2-0 win over Indonesia.
Ten years ago, another Argentinian player, Leonardo Ulloa, was sold by Albion – then in the Championship – to top-flight Leicester City for £8 million.
The Foxes loaned Ulloa back to Brighton in January 2018 for the second half of Albion’s first season in the Premiership.
This afternoon (Saturday 12 August) at the Amex the Seagulls take on Spanish side Villarreal – eighth in La Liga last season – in a final pre-season friendly.
