Facundo Buonanotte says Chelsea teammate was one of the main reasons he joined

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Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte made the surprise move to Chelsea on a season-long loan in the summer transfer window.

It was confirmed on Monday’s deadline day that Facundo Buonanotte, 20, has left Brighton and joined Premier League rivals Chelsea on loan for the 2025/26 campaign.

Brighton supporters are frustrated by the Buonanotte transfer, mainly due to fears he won’t play enough at Stamford Bridge. In fairness, the Argentine attacking midfielder will have his work cut out to break into Enzo Maresca’s side due to the stiff competition for places.

It is worth noting that Seagulls manager Fabian Hurzeler insists Buonanotte’s future is at the Amex Stadium, so we’re intrigued to see how this loan plays out.

• READ MORE: How Marc Guiu has reacted to Chelsea recalling him from his loan at Sunderland

Facundo Buonanotte admits to conversation with Enzo Fernandez before Chelsea move

Chelsea fans may be intrigued to hear that Buonanotte had an important conversation with Blues midfielder Enzo Fernandez, 24, before deciding to make his loan switch to West London.

After completing his move to Stamford Bridge, Buonanotte said via Chelsea’s X account: “I spoke with Enzo [Fernandez] and I think his message was very important because he is one of the captains of the team.”

Without a doubt, Fernandez is a huge presence in the Blues dressing room, wearing the captain’s armband when Reece James isn’t on the pitch. We’re guessing that he will play a major role in helping new signings Buonanotte and Alejandro Garnacho because he already knows the duo from playing with them in the Argentine national side.

Enzo Fernandez has become underrated

We’re in the territory where Fernandez may be in danger of being underrated by rival fans across the Premier League. However, Chelsea supporters know the value he brings, both on and off the pitch.

The box-to-box central midfielder hasn’t actually been at his sharpest in the opening weeks of the new season, but he’s still chipped in with two goals and one assist to highlight his attacking threat.

On top of that, the South American star is quite clear one of the team’s leaders.

Joao Pedro was welcomed immediately by Fernandez at Chelsea, along with other senior figures Tosin Adarabioyo and Reece James. It’s absolutely vital that this leadership group has emerged in such a young dressing room.