The Whites, and other clubs including Lyon, had been pushing to bring in the two-cap Argentina international.
And the Elland Road side had looked favourites to sign the 20-year-old because of Brighton's preference for a loan within the Premier League, with world governing body Fifa limiting all clubs to six overseas temporary moves.
Buonanotte is capable of playing as a number 10 or on the right wing and spent last season with Leicester City.
Sima completes move to Lenspublished at 17:13 BST 29 August
17:13 BST 29 August
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton striker Abdallah Sima has joined Ligue 1 side Lens for an undisclosed fee.
The Senegalese striker failed to make an appearance for the Seagulls after signing from Slavia Prague in August 2021.
During his four-year stay at the club, the 24-year-old completed loan spells at Stoke City, Angers, Rangers and most recently Brest, where he scored 10 goals in 39 appearances last season.
Albion technical director David Weir said: "This move suits all parties and gives Abdallah the opportunity to get regular game time in an environment he is familiar with and has thrived in.
"We wish him all the best for the next chapter in his career."
Barber buys stake in Brightonpublished at 15:07 BST 29 August
15:07 BST 29 August
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton deputy chairman and chief executive Paul Barber has bought a stake in the club.
Barber, who joined the club in 2012, has purchased newly issued shares and now owns 1.5% of the shares in existence.
Chairman Tony Bloom said: "Paul is a major driving force at the club, he has been integral to our incredible progress since his arrival in the summer of 2012 and we would like him to remain with us for many seasons to come.
"He has already committed to the club until at least 2030, and we wanted to offer him this opportunity to further commit, and also to recognise his level of service and loyalty to the club.
"I regard Paul as the best chief executive in football and I am delighted he is now a co-owner of the club."
Barber commented: "It is a minority and some way behind Tony's majority shareholding, but nonetheless I'm very proud indeed to co-own a small part of a football club I've come to love over the past 13 years."
Yet, Igor has also struggled to establish himself on the south coast and made only 16 appearances last season under manager Fabian Hurzeler due to a mixture of injury and being left on the bench.
Igor started in the 6-0 win at Oxford United in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening and it remains to be seen whether Brighton would welcome any offers.
Hurzeler on Tzimas, Baleba's future and Man Citypublished at 13:18 BST 28 August
13:18 BST 28 August
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League home game against Manchester City (kick-off 14:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
He is "unsure" whether Georginio Rutter will be available for the City game but he is "close" to returning.
On the emphatic 6-0 Carabao Cup win: "It's so important as it gives you energy. You can feel it in the building today."
Stefanos Tzimas, who scored twice on his senior debut, "will be an option" for the squad "soon" as "every goal gets him closer to the team".
On so many players making their debuts against Oxford: "No player here gets a chance just because they are a player for us. They need to deserve it. That is what I demand from them. There is a big competition now [for places] and that is what I like."
He said it is "a results business" and only getting two points from the opening two games is disappointing, but "long-term the results will come if we keep working".
More on their start to the campaign: "I judge them by their work ethic and performance. I believe if you keep on working and have the best effort on the pitch then you will get what you deserve in the end."
He said he is "very happy with the squad" but did not rule out any further incomings before the transfer window closes on Monday.
In response to whether Carlos Baleba will 100% remain at the club: "Yes. If there was a number more than 100 then I would say that. I am confident."
Julio Enciso "is back" to continue his rehabilitation as his reported move to Strasbourg appears to have fallen through.
On opponents Manchester City: "They are still a top team. They are playing a little bit of a different style and shape, but they are still Manchester City."
'We have to stay grounded and focused'published at 10:53 BST 28 August
10:53 BST 28 August
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton's 19-year-old forward Stefanos Tzimas says that it's important to "stay grounded" after Wednesday's 6-0 win over Oxford United in the League Cup.
Tzimas came off the bench to score twice and assist once on his first Albion appearance.
"I'm very happy about my debut," Tzimas said. "I scored two goals and managed to help the team but now we have to stay grounded and focused.
"I'm here to work hard, and the guys help me in training a lot. I'm settling well here, and it's a really good environment."
He also credited fellow Greek team-mate Charalampos Kostoulas for helping him feel at home.
"I knew him from Greece four years ago and it's very helpful because we're Greeks who help each other, and we feel better together," he added.
Listen to every Brighton game live on BBC Radio Sussex, with all the build-up and full commentary with Johnny Cantor and Warren Aspinall, and there is a full preview of all Seagulls' matches on Fridays at 18:00 in The Weekend Warm-up
Oxford Utd 0-6 Brighton - the fans' verdictpublished at 09:17 BST 28 August
09:17 BST 28 August
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday night's Carabao Cup game between Oxford United and Brighton.
Here are some of your comments:
Andrew: OK, it was Oxford United. Even so, a competent and expected win. The Greek boys looking good, but the jury should be out until they play against the big boys in the Premier League. A much needed win and a confidence booster for the games to come.
Raymond: Good to watch. Could have been eight or 10. Don't read too much into it but defence needs tightening in whatever team we put out.
Sarah: Jason Steele needs to be our number one!
Steve: Great performance giving the manager some serious pause for thought for team selection. Steele in goal was faultless and must be a contender to take over between the posts. Three goalscoring debutants, and Gruda giving a player of the match performance. Finally, Tzimas scoring two and looking like a proper striker! Exciting times ahead!
Mick: A good display against a very physical opposition. Some very good displays. Defence looked good and kept their shape well. The debutants acquitted themselves really well. Gruda was man of the match but Tzimas ran him close with two amazing goals. Begs the question why wasn't he on the bench on Saturday?
Peter: Fabulous display and it looks like we've got a decent number nine in Tzimas. Good displays all round and Gruda and Gomez were superb as well. Hopefully Fabian has seen enough to put Tzimas and Kostoulas in the league side.
Tony: It'll be interesting to see if Tzimas starts on Sunday. He's made quite the impact here.
Image source, Getty Images
