The Facundo Buonanotte Celtic links near their final destination after Fabrizio Romano update
Celtic’s hunt for creative reinforcements has seen Brighton & Hove Albion man Facundo Buonanotte mentioned as a potential target for Brendan Rodgers this window.
With speculation heightened surrounding Matt O’Riley, who is in talks with the Seagulls over a move to the South Coast, the Argentina international has cropped up on the Hoops’ radar.
The Bhoys emerged as contenders alongside Southampton to sign Buonanotte on a loan basis. Feyenoord were also interested, eventualltt pulling out due to having increased competition on the flanks.
Reports suggested that Celtic’s main complication would be that he is expected to stay in England this summer. That appears to have proved true, but it doesn’t look like he will be heading to St Mary’s Stadium either.
Leicester City agree Facundo Buonanotte loan deal
Taking to social media platform X, Fabrizio Romano has shared news that Leicester City have stolen a march on other interest to agree a loan deal for Buonanotte.
Truthfully, it isn’t a major surprise that the Argentinian won’t be coming to Parkhead. Although there were murmurs of interest from Celtic, I can’t say I ever felt like it was something that would get off the ground.
Of course, he is a talented young star with a bright future in the game. Premier League clubs will have been aware of this, and Leicester City look to have offered him a platform to shine in the English top-flight under the nose of his parent club.
Barring any last-minute hitches, you would suspect that is where Buonanotte will end up plying his trade for the forthcoming season. For Celtic, they will need to turn their attention elsewhere, with time of the essence in the hunt for arrivals.
Matt O’Riley’s Celtic future as Brighton reportedly submit considerable bid, fee details
Matt O’Riley’s Celtic future hangs in the balance as Brendan Rodgers faces a fight to keep hold of his prize asset this window.
The Denmark international is in talks over a move to Brighton & Hove Albion, who have emerged as the latest in a long line of suitors keen to land his signature.
Southampton, Atalanta and Juventus have also been courting O’Riley. Chelsea were also mooted to be keen; however, they have since stepped back as he continues to make headlines on the transfer front.
Last campaign, the London-born man notched 19 goals and 18 assists in a magnificent individual showing that helped the Bhoys claim a domestic double. He has started this term in similar fettle, producing an outstanding display as Celtic swept Kilmarnock aside last Sunday in their league opener.
Now, reports have come to light detailing that a significant offer has been made for his services by a Premier League outfit.
Brighton & Hove Albion step up Matt O’Riley advances
According to HITC, Brighton have submitted ‘the largest offer of any club’ for O’Riley, exceeding £25 million as an overall package.
The Bhoys are demanding a record sale this window in the event of any departure. Atalanta have already seen a £15 million bid rebuffed earlier this summer, but the Seagulls are now ‘pushing hard’ to try and close a deal.
One man who won’t be arriving at Parkhead as part of any exchange or separate agreement is Brighton youngster Facundo Buonanotte. The Argentina international has agreed on a loan to Leicester City, putting to bed links with Celtic.
Fabian Hurzeler has also approved the sale of striker Denis Undav to Stuttgart, freeing up funds for the Premier League outfit to conduct business elsewhere.
Now, it remains to be seen what comes from negotiations between Celtic and Brighton. O’Riley has some big decisions to make as his future enters the spotlight.