Brighton close in on star dubbed 'the next Lionel Messi'

FT Desk

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:55 CDT
• 3 min read

Brighton have agreed a deal to sign Rosario starlet Facundo Buonanotte, who Carlos Tevez says reminds him of Lionel Messi.

Brighton have developed a reputation for acting quickly in the transfer market, buying low and selling high, and they may have pulled off their biggest coup yet with the acquisition of Buonanotte.

The 17-year-old had four goals and two assists as Rosario finished 16th in the Argentine Primera Division under Carlos Tevez last season, and if his attacking output isn't yet Messi-esque, his style is.

READ: The 20 Argentina youngsters with the most potential

A left-footed attacking midfielder who revels in nutmegging would-be markers before letting fly, Buonanotte will join in January for a fee in the region of €11.5 million, subject to a work permit and regulatory approvals.

Former Manchester United and City striker Tevez resigned from Rosario at the end of last season citing the club's upcoming directorial elections, but he had plenty of time to see Buonanotte, and was left impressed.

Tevez: 'reminds me of Messi'

"When he brakes and accelerates he reminds me of Messi," said the now 38-year-old. "I haven't seen a boy play like that for a long time, that gives me so much pleasure, and I watch a lot of football.

READ: Man Utd and Liverpool beware: Real Madrid to enter Moises Caicedo race

"Facu has a great mentality, he doesn't seem to be 17 years old. He's at a very high level, he doesn't seem to have a ceiling, just as high as he wants to go. Today, he's physically impeccable."

Brighton sold Marc Cucurella to Chelsea for £62m (€71.2m) this summer having bought him from Getafe for just €18m, and they will hope to command a similar fee for Moises Caicedo, having beaten Manchester United to his signature for just €5.2m last year.

"Facundo is a player we have been aware of for some time, and we have been watching for a while," said Brighton's technical director David Weir. "We're delighted we've now reached an agreement with Rosario, and we look forward to welcoming Facundo to Brighton in January next year."