Leeds United’s Pursuit of Emiliano Buendia: A Transfer Saga That May Continue in the Summer

Leeds United made a serious attempt to sign Emiliano Buendia before the winter transfer window closed earlier this month. The Argentine playmaker was a key figure in Daniel Farke’s Norwich City side, helping them secure two Championship titles before earning a £33 million move to Aston Villa in 2021. Given Buendia’s struggles for consistent game time under Unai Emery at Villa Park, a move to Elland Road appeared logical, especially as Farke sought to bolster his attacking midfield options for Leeds’ promotion push.

However, despite Leeds’ efforts to bring Buendia to the Championship, the 28-year-old ultimately decided against the move. Instead, he opted for a loan switch to Bundesliga title contenders Bayer Leverkusen, preferring to play at the highest level rather than return to English football’s second tier. Leeds were left frustrated by his reluctance to drop back down, as reported by The Sun on Sunday, but their interest in the player has not ended. According to journalist Ben Jacobs via TEAMtalk, Leeds could revisit a deal for Buendia in the summer if they secure promotion to the Premier League, and internal discussions have already been held regarding his potential signing.

Buendia’s Start at Bayer Leverkusen

Since his move to Leverkusen, Buendia has made three appearances, two of which have come in the Bundesliga. While he has not yet cemented himself as a guaranteed starter, he is expected to play a role in Xabi Alonso’s squad as they push for the Bundesliga title and European success. His performances in Germany will be closely monitored by Leeds, who see him as a potential marquee signing should they achieve promotion.

A major factor in Leeds’ renewed interest in Buendia is their intention to sign a new No.10 in the summer transfer window. Alongside Buendia, internal discussions have been held regarding three other potential attacking midfield targets: Eduard Spertsyan (Krasnodar), Gustavo Hamer (Sheffield United), and James McAtee (Manchester City). These players fit the profile of what Leeds need—a creative force capable of linking midfield and attack, dictating play, and adding goals and assists to the squad.

Leeds United’s Promotion Push and Its Impact on Transfers

As things stand, Leeds are in a prime position to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking. Farke’s side currently leads the Championship table after 31 matches, holding a two-point lead over Sheffield United, a five-point advantage over Burnley, and a seven-point gap over Sunderland. This strong standing in the table strengthens Leeds’ bargaining power ahead of the summer window, as promotion to the top flight would allow them to attract higher-caliber players like Buendia.

The significance of promotion cannot be overstated. While Leeds remain a massive club with a passionate fanbase, signing Premier League-quality players while still in the Championship is a challenge. Many players, including Buendia, are reluctant to step down to the second tier unless there are no other viable top-flight options available. However, should Leeds secure promotion, the appeal of joining a Farke-led Leeds United side in the Premier League becomes far greater.

Buendia’s Fit Under Farke at Leeds

Buendia’s past relationship with Farke makes him an ideal target for Leeds. Under Farke’s guidance at Norwich City, the Argentine was one of the most creative and effective players in the Championship, registering 15 goals and 17 assists during their 2020/21 title-winning campaign. His ability to operate as a playmaker, dictate tempo, and create goal-scoring opportunities was instrumental in Norwich’s success.

If he were to join Leeds in the summer, Farke could look to build his attacking setup around him, much like he did last season with Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter. Leeds have lacked a natural No.10 this season, with players like Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford being used in deeper roles at times. Buendia would provide the technical quality and vision needed to unlock stubborn defenses, something Leeds have struggled with against deep-lying opposition in the Championship.

Furthermore, with Farke favoring an attacking, possession-based style, Buendia would slot seamlessly into the system. His dribbling ability, agility, and quick decision-making would complement Leeds’ fast-paced approach, making him a key asset in their bid to establish themselves in the Premier League upon promotion.

Buendia’s Time at Aston Villa and Why He May Leave

Buendia’s time at Aston Villa has been filled with ups and downs. After arriving for a then-club record fee of £33 million, he was expected to be a crucial part of their attacking setup. However, managerial changes and tactical shifts saw his role diminish over time. Under former manager Steven Gerrard, Buendia was in and out of the starting lineup, and since Unai Emery’s arrival, he has struggled to nail down a consistent place in the XI.

A serious knee injury suffered in pre-season further derailed his time at Villa Park, keeping him sidelined for several months. By the time he recovered, Villa had established themselves as top-four contenders in the Premier League, and Buendia found himself on the fringes of the squad. This lack of regular minutes prompted his decision to join Bayer Leverkusen on loan in January, where he hopes to reignite his career.

Villa’s willingness to loan Buendia out suggests that they may be open to selling him permanently in the summer. If Leverkusen does not pursue a full transfer, Leeds could be in a strong position to make an offer, especially if they are in the Premier League. The fact that Leeds attempted to sign him in January also indicates that discussions between the clubs may have already taken place, making a future move more feasible.

A Potential Summer Saga in the Making

While Buendia remains focused on his time at Leverkusen, Leeds’ interest in him is far from over. Should they achieve promotion, they could return with a proposal that might be far more attractive to both the player and Aston Villa. With Farke looking to add a No.10 to his squad and Buendia’s past success under him, this is a transfer saga that could gain traction as the summer window approaches.

For Leeds, signing Buendia would be a statement of intent—a signal that they are not just returning to the Premier League to survive but to compete at a high level. For Buendia, a reunion with Farke could provide the fresh start he needs after a difficult period at Villa. Everything now hinges on Leeds’ promotion push and Buendia’s performances at Leverkusen, making this a story to watch closely in the coming months.