Facundo Buonanotte Handed First Chelsea Start Since Deadline Day Arrival

Facundo Buonanotte, a midfielder from Argentina, is starting for Chelsea for the first time since joining the team on loan on Deadline Day. He has a chance to show his skills as Chelsea look to improve their season.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Buonanotte joined Chelsea on September 1 on a season-long loan from Brighton. Tonight, he’s in the lineup for the Premier League match. This is his first start since moving to Chelsea. Buonanotte gained a good reputation after impressing during his loan at Leicester City in the 2024-25 season, where he scored 5 goals and provided key assists in 31 league appearances. He can play as an attacking midfielder or winger, giving Chelsea’s manager new options. Chelsea currently struggle for consistency in mid-table, and hope Buonanotte brings fresh energy.

BUONANOTTE’S JOURNEY SO FAR

The 20-year-old made his professional debut at Rosario Central in Argentina before joining Brighton in January 2023. He scored his first Premier League goal in April for Brighton and now plays for Chelsea. Over Buonanotte’s 121 senior games, he has scored once and earned two Argentina caps. This season, he was loaned to Chelsea after strong performances in England. However, he wasn’t initially in Chelsea’s Champions League squad due to registration rules, but might be added later in the competition.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Chelsea face Bayern Munich next for the Champions League, with their loanee Jackson a focus point for the match, before resuming the Premier League action when they visit Manchester United. Chelsea need a win to close the gap on the top half, and fans will be watching closely to see if Buonanotte can change their luck. Strong performances could also help his chances to get Champions League registration as Chelsea compete in both domestic and European competitions; Chelsea has until September 19 to respond to recent charges regarding breaches of agent rules, which could affect their squad management.