Enzo Maresca can unleash his own Lionel Messi at Chelsea as transfer plan explained

Facundo Buonanotte completed a season-long loan move to Chelsea on transfer deadline day, with the Blues paying Brighton £2million for the Argentine's services for the remainder of the campaign.

The 20-year-old was a surprise signing for Chelsea when his name was mentioned for the first time last week in the rumour mill. The Blues opted not to make an official move for Xavi Simons, who ended up signing for Tottenham, and similarly did not pursue Fermin Lopez from Barcelona despite a keen interest.

Buonanotte arrives at Stamford Bridge and logic would suggest he will provide cover for Cole Palmer in the No.10 position. While many supporters have been left surprised by the signing, there is no doubting Buonanotte's potential. So much so, that a former Premier League great compared him to arguably the best footballer of all time.

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After coming through the academy at Rosario Central, Buonanotte left the Argentine side when Brighton came calling in 2023. The Seagulls paid a complete package of around £10million for the young Argentine, who made a big impression under former Manchester City and Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez.

Tevez spent one season as head coach of Rosario, where he worked with Buonanotte. One season was more than enough for Tevez to make an extraordinary comparison between Buonanotte and a certain Lionel Messi.

"I watch football and it's been a long time since I've seen someone play who gives me as much pleasure as Buonanotte," Tevez said in 2022. "When he brakes and accelerates, he reminds me of Messi. He is at a very high level."

Two years later, those comparisons were put to Buonanotte, who understandably played them down. He said: "There is no comparison. No player comes close to Messi. It is stupid to compare. He is the best in history for me and there is no comparison.

"The first time I went to join up with the national team, I was obviously very nervous, trying to bring my bit to the team. The squad is very strong but the best thing it has is being a group, all united.

"They live it all in a passionate way and this has brought them the results that they have had. It is not normal to win four consecutive trophies. That is something to be proud of."

Chelsea presents a new chapter for Buonanotte, who is excited to get going and play in the Champions League for the first time in his career. He said: "It’s a great step in my career. 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."