Just days after gushing about the chance to live his Champions League dream, Facundo Buonanotte has been brutally snubbed. The 20-year-old Argentine, Chelsea’s latest summer recruit, has been left out of the Blues’ European squad in a decision that embarrassed the midfielder who had only just spoken of his excitement.
Chelsea loanee Buonanotte cut from squad Argentine star’s dream debut cruelly dashed Blues face Bayern in opening clash Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Buonanotte joined the West London giants on September 1 in a season-long loan deal from Brighton. It was Chelsea’s tenth signing of the window and their fifth attacking addition in what has been one of the busiest recruitment drives in club history. The deal, worth around £2 million in loan fees, was struck after Chelsea swooped in at the final moment to beat Leeds United, who had been close to securing him. The South American youngster arrived at Stamford Bridge with a solid reputation, having made 50 appearances for Brighton, scoring five goals, and already boasting two senior caps for Argentina.
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When signing, Buonanotte spoke with pride about joining Chelsea and specifically about playing under the bright lights of Europe’s biggest stage.
“It’s a massive step in my career,” he told club media. "I’m really happy to be here and ready to offer as much as I can to the team and the staff. I’m sure it will be a positive season. Of course, I’ll get the opportunity to play in the Champions League for the first time, which will be a great challenge. I’m really looking forward to this season and hopefully I can help the club to achieve its goals."
Just two days later, those words were rendered hollow as his name was left off Chelsea’s official Champions League squad list.
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With Enzo Maresca dealing with an inflated squad packed with new arrivals, tough choices had to be made. Regulations restrict Champions League squads to 25 senior players, and while youngsters under 21 who have been at the club for more than two years can be added freely, Buonanotte does not qualify. As a result, Maresca wielded the axe, and Buonanotte, one of the most recent arrivals, was among the casualties.
While Buonanotte sits out, Chelsea have still managed to squeeze in other high-profile names. Alejandro Garnacho, snapped up from Manchester United this summer, has been included. Romeo Lavia, Tyrique George, and Josh Acheampong also qualify under UEFA’s youth exemption rules and will be available.
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UEFA’s strict financial regulations have intensified Chelsea’s selection headaches. In July, the club were slapped with a €31 million (£27m/$36m) fine and told they must ensure a positive transfer balance from last season’s Conference League squad to this season’s Champions League squad. That ruling forced the club to be extra cautious in how they constructed their European roster.