The Future of Loan Players Buonanotte and Edouard at Leicester City

BBC Radio Leicester expert Owynn Palmer-Atkin has received numerous inquiries from readers regarding the players currently on loan at King Power Stadium. A reader named Jacob posed a question concerning Facundo Buonanotte, specifically inquiring about the possibility of a permanent signing and whether the associated cost would be prohibitive. Owynn Palmer-Atkin responded by stating his belief that Buonanotte possesses the potential to reach the highest level, evident “within a few minutes of watching him play.” He noted the player’s impressive command of his designated area on the pitch and his continuous demand for more from himself and his team-mates, qualities deemed “crucial for any side,” especially considering he “is only 19 years old.” Palmer-Atkin suggested that Leicester City would “love to sign him on a permanent deal,” but acknowledged that “the club probably accepts that the finances may well be out of their budget.” He highlighted Brighton’s clear “big plans for him,” evidenced by “securing him down to a new long-term deal before his arrival at King Power Stadium on loan.” His counsel was: “don’t fall in love with this loan player! But appreciate what he offers to this Leicester City side, because he could prove to be a massive figure if the Foxes are to avoid the drop this season.” Another reader, Mog, inquired about the possibility of returning Odsonne Edouard to Crystal Palace in January. Mog expressed the view that Edouard “is such a waste of a spot in the squad and a waste of a loan spot,” and questioned Edouard’s future game time given that “Steve Cooper seemingly liked Patson Daka in pre-season,” anticipating that “Edouard will get absolutely no game time when Daka returns?” Owynn Palmer-Atkin responded that Leicester “could possibly cancel the loan,” but noted that “depending on the small print, they may have to pay a fee to do so.” He conceded that “this move has not worked out,” describing it as “a shame because Edouard is a player that Leicester have had an eye on for some time, dating back to his stint at Celtic under Brendan Rodgers.” Patson Daka appears likely to be included in the matchday squad for Saturday’s fixture against Chelsea, having recovered from the long-term ankle injury he suffered at Lens during pre-season. Daka also accumulated significant playing time during pre-season, and his “pressing ability and willingness to work the channels offers a different kind of forward line for Steve Cooper.” Palmer-Atkin anticipated that Daka’s playing minutes “will grow towards Christmas.”