Given that the Argentinean is regarded as one of the most valuable under-21 players in the world of football, City would need to break their transfer record in order to permanently purchase the Brighton loanee.
According to fresh research, Leicester City would need to break their transfer record in order to acquire Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte, an offensive midfielder who is among the most expensive under-21 players in the world of football.
One of the highlights of City’s season thus far, Buonanotte has contributed three goals and two assists to their struggle for Premier League survival while dazzled with his dribbling skills. Fans are already fervently hoping he will stay after his one-year loan from the Seagulls.
With all indications that the Argentinean will rejoin their team for the upcoming campaign after a year of development at the King Power Stadium, it does not appear that Brighton has any plans to sell. However, they could charge a hefty price if they sold him.
This week, the CIES Football Observatory, a data analysis firm located in Switzerland, compiled a list of the 100 most valuable under-21 football players in the world based on a variety of criteria, including age, contract, and performance. Due to his strong start to the season, Buonanotte, who is 19 years old and valued at €58.1 million, is tied for 15th place on the list.
That comes to £48.4 million, which, if it accurately reflected the amount Brighton would demand, would easily equal City’s transfer record. Youri Tielemans, a midfielder, cost City £32 million, which eventually increased to £40 million.
It’s interesting to note that Buonanotte is one of three City players who now rank in the top 100. The only teams with more representatives on the list are Brighton and PSG.
At €37.1 million (£30.9 million), winger Abdul Fatawu is ranked 35th on the list. This is significantly more than the £14 million they paid Sporting Lisbon to recruit him in the summer. Bilal El Khannouss, another recent addition, is ranked 55th at €26.6m (£22.2m), which is little more than the £20m City paid for him in the summer.
Not surprisingly, the most expensive under-21 player is Lamine Yamal, a teenage phenom from Barcelona. The winner of Euro 2024 is estimated to be worth an incredible €180.9 million (£150.7 million).
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
