Leeds United are unlikely to sign Emi Buendia, at least on a permanent basis, after the Argentine agreed to a contract extension with Aston Villa.
The arrangement, disclosed by David Ornstein of The Athletic on January 26, will keep Buendia at Villa Park until 2027.
As well as Leeds under Daniel Farke – who managed Buendia at Norwich City – Villa also had attention from clubs across Europe and in Saudi Arabia, and the player himself has been eager to study his alternatives and not leap right into a Championship move (The Sun on Sunday, 26 January).
“Emi Buendia reaches agreement with Aston Villa to extend contract by one year,” Ornstein wrote on his X page (January 26).
“The current pact expires in 2026, but the updated terms add 12 months. The 28-year-old has attracted interest from Germany, Italy, and Saudi Arabia, but Aston Villa is not going to authorize a permanent exit at this time.”
Buendia’s future is now completely fixed thanks to the contract extension, but it does reduce the possibility of a permanent leave during the current transfer window.
Leeds United should not give up hope for Buendia.
Leeds United should not have to abandon their pursuit of Buendia, who remains a peripheral player in Aston Villa’s side, having been largely overlooked since much of their success under Unai Emery occurred while he recovered from a protracted injury.
The one-cap Argentina international is still a talented player and is in prime age, having experienced both the Premier League and promotion from the Championship.
His profile would be ideal for Farke’s Leeds and would help push Brenden Aaronson, who has previously played in the number 10 position that Buendia could best fill.
Buendia’s contract will simply be extended by a year, so protecting Villa financially and relieving his present club of the need to make any sudden decisions during the current window.
