Emiliano Buendía continues to be a name of interest for Leeds United, especially with the strong ties to Daniel Farke, under whom the Argentine playmaker delivered his best football at Norwich City. The potential transfer, however, is mired in complexities involving player preference, Aston Villa’s stance, and Leeds’ financial considerations.
Buendía’s Current Situation at Aston Villa
Buendía’s time at Aston Villa has not gone as planned this season. Despite being one of the club’s marquee signings in 2021 for £33 million, he has found himself on the fringes of Unai Emery’s squad. His opportunities have been severely limited, with just two starts this season, both in the Carabao Cup, and less than 300 minutes of total game time across all competitions. Much of his involvement has come in the form of substitute appearances in league matches, highlighting his reduced role.
The situation has worsened with Villa strengthening their squad. The arrival of Donyell Malen has added competition in the attacking positions, while the return of Jacob Ramsey from injury has further pushed Buendía down the pecking order. With these developments, it appears increasingly unlikely that Buendía’s game time will improve in the second half of the season.
Leeds United’s Interest
The link between Buendía and Leeds stems from Daniel Farke’s time managing him at Norwich City. During that spell, Buendía was one of the Championship’s standout players, contributing directly to 51 goals in 77 appearances. His creativity, flair, and ability to unlock defenses made him integral to Farke’s system. Leeds’ current attacking midfield options, particularly Brenden Aaronson, have shown promise but lack consistency, which makes Buendía an attractive prospect.
Farke’s admiration for Buendía is well-documented. During his Norwich tenure, he described Buendía as a “fantastic attacking option,” and it is easy to see why Farke might push for a reunion. Buendía’s ability to operate between the lines, create chances, and contribute with goals could be exactly what Leeds need to strengthen their promotion push.
Aston Villa’s Stance on Buendía
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Aston Villa is open to letting Buendía leave, but their preference would be a permanent deal. Villa would also consider a loan move, but they would likely demand that Leeds cover 100% of the player’s wages or agree to a loan with an obligation to buy. This creates a stumbling block for Leeds, who are reportedly hesitant to commit to such financial terms.
The scenario is further complicated by Buendía’s reluctance to drop down to the Championship. The 26-year-old, who has represented Argentina at the international level, likely still sees himself as a Premier League-level player and may only consider a move if he believes Leeds can guarantee promotion.
The Challenges for Leeds
- Player’s Preferences: One of the biggest hurdles is convincing Buendía to step down to the Championship. Despite his limited role at Villa, Buendía is likely holding out for an opportunity at a Premier League or high-profile European club.
- Financial Implications: Leeds are reportedly unwilling to take on Buendía’s full wages in a loan deal. A permanent deal would require a significant outlay, which Leeds may find difficult to justify given their current financial position in the Championship.
- Competition from Other Clubs: Should Buendía become available, other clubs, particularly in the Premier League, could express interest, making it harder for Leeds to secure his signature.
Why Buendía Could Be Ideal for Leeds
Buendía’s qualities make him a perfect fit for Leeds’ current needs. The Argentine excels in creating chances, dictating play in the final third, and scoring crucial goals. These attributes were evident during his time under Farke, where he helped Norwich to promotion. At Leeds, he could add the creativity and consistency they need to boost their attack, especially with Aaronson struggling to deliver consistently.
Moreover, his Championship experience is another significant factor. Buendía knows what it takes to succeed in the league and has proven he can thrive in a system led by Farke. His signing could be the catalyst Leeds need to push for automatic promotion this season.
Potential Outcomes
While the link between Buendía and Leeds is logical, the deal is far from straightforward. Leeds must first convince Buendía to join a Championship side, which could be the most significant hurdle. To address this, the club would need to present a compelling vision of their promotion ambitions and how Buendía would play a central role in achieving that goal.
Financially, a loan deal with an option to buy might be the most realistic path forward. Leeds would likely seek flexibility in wage contributions or a structured deal that spreads the cost over time. Aston Villa, on the other hand, may demand a more concrete financial commitment, such as an obligation to buy.
If Leeds manage to secure Buendía, it could be a transformative signing. His presence would not only improve their chances of promotion but also send a strong message about the club’s ambition under Farke. However, the complexities surrounding the deal mean that a lot would need to align for it to happen in the January transfer window.
For now, Buendía remains an option, but Leeds may need to navigate financial negotiations, player preferences, and competition from other clubs to turn this interest into a reality.