Leeds United fans were in for a big shock on Friday. The club thought they had secured another summer signing, but the deal disappeared in a matter of minutes.
Graham Smyth described it as ”Igor Paixao part two”’. It was another case where the club thought they had wrapped up another signing just for the player to choose a different option. Leeds were in the same boat during the Paixao saga, a deal was agreed, only for Marseille to swoop in for the Brazilian at the last minute.
Paixão episode II, then. Leeds thought they were close to having it done, hence the booked flight yesterday. For it to happen this close to the deadline is so, so far from ideal.
This weekend will now be a serious test of Leeds’ agility in the transfer market. #lufc
— Graham Smyth (@GrahamSmyth) August 29, 2025
This time around, it was Brighton star Facundo Buonanotte. Leeds had spent most of the week convincing the Seagulls to loan out the 21-year old. On Thursday night, both parties had reached advanced talks and a flight had been booked. It was later on Friday when the club discovered the shock news.
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Leeds United could be back in for Bilal El Khannouss
Bilal El Khannouss
Credit: Imago Images
Chelsea entered the race for Buonanotte at the last minute. This lead to the player cancelling his flight, as he started the process to complete a move to London. The Blues had to change their transfer plans after losing out on Xavi Simons to Spurs earlier in the day.
It is now being reported that Leeds are back in for Bilal El Khannouss. According to Leeds United News, the attacking midfielder is now under serious consideration, as the club reopened talks.
Leeds were one of the first clubs to show interest in the player this summer, but failed to make an official approach to sign him. This left the door open for Crystal Palace, who almost completed a deal before they backed out due to the price tag. The Whites now have a huge chance to seal an important signing before the transfer window closes on Monday.
