Chelsea Brutally Snubs Facundo Buonanotte from Champions League 2025/26 Squad Just Days After Signing Him

In a stunning turn of events, Chelsea has excluded new signing Facundo Buonanotte from their 23-man Champions League squad just days after the Argentine midfielder expressed his excitement about playing in Europe’s elite competition for the first time. The brutal snub represents one of the most embarrassing squad decisions in recent memory, coming barely 48 hours after Buonanotte’s optimistic interview upon joining the Blues.

The Shocking Exclusion: Chelsea’s Cruel Twist of Fate

Facundo Buonanotte’s omission from Chelsea’s Champions League squad has sent shockwaves through the football world, not just for the decision itself, but for the timing that makes it particularly cruel.

The 20-year-old Argentine attacking midfielder had barely finished settling into his new surroundings at Stamford Bridge when the devastating news broke.

The exclusion becomes even more poignant when considering Buonanotte’s words just two days prior: “It’s a great step in my career. I’ll get the opportunity to play in the Champions League for the first time, which will be a great challenge.” These comments, made during his official unveiling, have already aged poorly and highlight the broken promises that now define his early Chelsea experience.

Enzo Maresca’s Ruthless Decision: The Manager’s Priorities

Enzo Maresca’s decision to exclude Facundo Buonanotte from Chelsea’s Champions League squad while including other summer signings reveals the Italian manager’s clear priorities and perhaps his reservations about the Argentine’s immediate impact. The exclusion is particularly striking when compared to the inclusion of fellow new arrivals.

Who Made the Cut vs. Who Didn’t

While Buonanotte finds himself on the outside looking in, Chelsea’s Champions League squad includes all other major summer signings: Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, Estevao, Jamie Gittens, Jorell Hato, and Joao Pedro have all been rewarded with places in the 23-man roster.

The decision becomes even more controversial when considering that Levi Colwill, who has been ruled out until the back end of the season at the earliest with injury, has been selected in the squad. Similarly, Liam Delap retains his place despite a hamstring injury that won’t see him return until late October.

Chelsea’s Complete Champions League Squad Breakdown

Maresca’s final 23-man squad reflects both strategic thinking and some surprising choices that have raised eyebrows among Chelsea supporters and football analysts alike.

Squad by Position

Goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen

Defenders: Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto, Jorell Hato, Reece James

Midfielders: Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, Jamie Gittens, Dario Essugo, Andrey Santos, Moises Caicedo

Forwards: Pedro Neto, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Marc Guiu, Estevao, Alejandro Garnacho

The Broken Promises: From Dream to Disappointment

The contrast between Facundo Buonanotte’s optimistic arrival interview and his immediate exclusion from European competition creates one of football’s most unfortunate narratives. His stated ambition to compete in the Champions League for the first time has been dashed before the competition even begins.

Leeds United’s Vindication

The exclusion adds salt to the wounds of Leeds United, who had been heavily linked with Buonanotte before Chelsea swooped in to hijack the deal. Leeds fans and management will feel vindicated in their frustration, having lost out on a player who now finds himself unable to play in the competition that supposedly attracted him to Stamford Bridge.

The irony is particularly bitter for Leeds supporters, who watched their target choose Champions League football with Chelsea only to be immediately denied that very opportunity.

UEFA Regulations and Squad Limitations

Chelsea’s squad selection has been governed by UEFA’s strict regulations, which limit clubs to a maximum of 25 players on the A-List, with at least eight positions reserved for locally-trained players. These constraints have forced Maresca to make difficult decisions about squad composition.

The B-List Alternative

Importantly, Buonanotte will not be eligible for Chelsea’s B-List either, which is reserved for under-21 players who meet specific locally-trained criteria. This means the Argentine is completely excluded from European competition until at least the knockout stages.

However, there is still hope for Buonanotte’s Champions League dreams. UEFA regulations allow clubs that progress to the knockout stages to register up to three new players before February 5, 2025, providing a potential pathway for inclusion if Chelsea advance from the league phase.

The Financial Context: Chelsea’s Summer Spending Spree

Chelsea’s ability to register their preferred Champions League squad without financial constraints comes after a summer of strategic player sales that helped them comply with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations. The Blues had been fined €31 million by UEFA in July for previous breaches but have successfully balanced their books through numerous high-profile departures.

The fact that Buonanotte’s exclusion is not financially motivated makes the decision even more puzzling from a sporting perspective, suggesting Maresca has genuine concerns about the player’s immediate contribution to the squad.

What This Means for Buonanotte’s Chelsea Future

Facundo Buonanotte’s exclusion from the Champions League squad raises serious questions about his long-term future at Stamford Bridge. The decision suggests that despite the £2 million loan fee, Maresca sees him as a peripheral figure in his plans, at least for the initial months of the campaign.

Alternative Competition Opportunities

While European football remains off-limits for now, Buonanotte will still be eligible to feature in Premier League matches, the FA Cup, and the EFL Cup. These competitions will provide him with opportunities to prove his worth and potentially earn inclusion in a revised Champions League squad for the knockout stages.

His performance in these domestic competitions will be crucial in determining whether he can change Maresca’s mind and earn a place in European football later in the season.

The Broader Implications for Squad Management

Maresca’s decision to exclude Buonanotte while including injured players sends a clear message about his approach to squad management. The Italian appears to prioritize long-term planning over short-term availability, betting on injured players returning to make meaningful contributions later in the competition.

This philosophy also suggests that Maresca values players he knows and trusts over recent arrivals who have yet to prove themselves in his system. The exclusion serves as a stark reminder of the brutal nature of elite football, where promises can be broken and dreams dashed within a matter of days.

Looking Ahead: Redemption Opportunities

Despite the immediate disappointment, Facundo Buonanotte’s Chelsea story is far from over. The upcoming months will be crucial in determining whether this exclusion serves as motivation for an impressive domestic campaign or becomes a defining moment of a disappointing loan spell.

For Chelsea, the decision will be judged on results. If the included players deliver Champions League success, Maresca’s tough choices will be vindicated. However, if the squad struggles in Europe while Buonanotte impresses domestically, questions will inevitably be asked about the wisdom of excluding a player who joined specifically for European football.

Read More: Tottenham Shock as Mathys Tel and Five Key Stars Miss Out on Champions League 2025/26 Squad

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