Incredible: Tottenham reportedly table £20m+ playwr bid to sign “magician” compared to Messi
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly submitted an offer for a rising young talent likened to Lionel Messi, aiming to bolster their attacking options for 2025. Ange Postecoglou’s side appears determined to secure more creative firepower, addressing gaps in the squad that have hindered their consistency in the Premier League this season.
Dejan Kulusevski has proven to be an essential component in Postecoglou’s system, consistently delivering in crucial moments. However, James Maddison’s performances have been inconsistent, and the lack of depth in attacking midfield leaves the manager with limited options.
While Pape Sarr has been tested as a box-to-box midfielder, the Australian coach is yet to find a midfield combination that fully complements his aggressive, attacking philosophy.
The need for creative reinforcements has been a recurring theme for Tottenham. Despite being linked with players like Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White in recent transfer windows, the club has failed to land either.
This lack of creativity has been a contributing factor to the team’s inability to sustain momentum during the opening stages of the campaign. To address this issue, Spurs now appear poised to pursue a highly rated prospect who has already made waves in the Premier League.
Reports from Spain indicate that Tottenham have submitted a bid exceeding £20 million to acquire the services of 19-year-old Facundo Buonanotte, a rising star from Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Argentine midfielder initially gained prominence at Rosario Central under the mentorship of former Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez, who drew comparisons between Buonanotte and Lionel Messi. Tevez once remarked that the youngster’s agility and ability to accelerate and decelerate reminded him of Messi, an extraordinary compliment for a player so early in his career.
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Since moving to Brighton, Buonanotte has continued his upward trajectory. Currently on loan at Leicester City for the 2024-25 season, he has made a significant impact, tallying four goals and two assists in 11 appearances.
His contributions account for nearly 38% of Leicester’s goals, an impressive feat for a teenager playing in a struggling side. His performances have earned him accolades, with Rising Stars XI describing him as a “magician” who is “impressing everyone” with his ability to shine despite the challenges his team faces.
Buonanotte’s statistics at Leicester demonstrate his effectiveness in the final third. With a goal or assist every 133 minutes, he has quickly become a pivotal figure for the Foxes.
These displays have only heightened interest from top clubs, and Tottenham’s reported bid of €25 million (£20.7 million) plus add-ons signals their intent to secure his signature. However, Brighton is believed to value the player closer to €30 million (£24 million), creating a potential stumbling block in negotiations.
The timing of any potential transfer remains a key factor. Buonanotte’s loan spell at Leicester runs until the end of the season, meaning any agreement would only come into effect in the summer of 2025.
By then, his market value could increase significantly, particularly if he maintains his current form and reaches double figures in either goals or assists. For this reason, Tottenham may push to finalize an agreement sooner rather than later to avoid competing with other suitors or facing an inflated price tag.
Brighton, on the other hand, might prefer to wait until the summer transfer window, gambling on the likelihood that Buonanotte’s performances will attract higher bids. The Seagulls have a strong track record of maximizing returns on their talents, and their calculated approach could pay off once again. Meanwhile, Spurs face the challenge of convincing both Brighton and the player that their project aligns with his long-term development.
For Tottenham, securing a player of Buonanotte’s caliber would address a critical need for creativity and depth in the squad. His technical skills, vision, and ability to influence games make him an ideal fit for Postecoglou’s dynamic playing style.
The club’s willingness to invest in young, high-potential talent reflects a broader strategy aimed at building a sustainable foundation for success in the Premier League and beyond.
While the negotiations are far from finalized, Tottenham’s interest in Buonanotte underscores their commitment to strengthening the squad and providing Postecoglou with the tools needed to compete at the highest level. Whether the deal materializes remains to be seen, but the pursuit of the Argentine teenager highlights the club’s proactive approach to addressing its weaknesses and preparing for future challenges.