Aston Villa are expected to complete a significant January deal shortly after a breakthrough in talks.
Bayer Leverkusen are on the verge of signing Villa playmaker Emiliano Buendia on a six-month loan deal with an option to buy.
Buendia, a standout performer in the disappointing 1-0 defeat away at AS Monaco last week, has the opportunity to depart for game time as he’s found himself down the midfield pecking order at Villa Park. Selected in the XI at Stade Louis-II, Buendia made only his third start of the season across all competitions and his first ever in the Champions League.
A loan away should provide more guaranteed minutes for Buendia as he aims to rediscover his mojo – and Fabrizio Romano reports a deal has already been done. The transfer news specialist – using his infamous ‘here we go’ slogan – has confirmed Buendia will imminently complete a loan move to Leverkusen.
The German Bundesliga champions were keen on adding depth and quality in attacking midfield following a season-ending injury to Martin Terrier and Xabi Alonso is set to acquire his priority target. Romano reported that Manchester City’s James McAtee was an option but Leverkusen have decided to go ahead with signing Buendia instead, with a €20 million (£16.8m) buy option included.
Signed for €39 million (£33 million) from Norwich City in July 2021, Buendia has racked up 10 goals and nine assists in 96 appearances for Villa. The one-time Argentina international, effective in any attacking midfield role or on either flank, featured in every game of the 2022/23 Premier League season and only missed three league matches during his first campaign in claret and blue.
Writing was on the wall for Emi Buendia
Emery had hinted Buendia was on his way out after the defeat to Monaco. The head coach was seething with elements of his team’s performance but was sure to bring up at least some positives. “Of course, I am very happy with a lot of players. Today, especially with Emi Buendia,” Emery said.
“He has the option to leave but today we needed him and he played fantastic with his qualities, fantastic mentality and fantastic with his commitment with the squad.”
Less than a fortnight ago, before the 2-2 draw at Arsenal, Emery admitted similar as he said: “Emi Buendia had last year a long injury but he started this year progressively getting better. He didn’t feel 100 per cent in the season until now. But now he is playing more minutes and helping the team.
“But maybe he can have the possibility to leave. For him, it could be something where he can play more, get more minutes, get confidence again and being comfortable playing again in the starting XI. Of course, now he is helping us and I am happy with his attitude.”
Championship title hopefuls Leeds United had been heavily linked with Buendia but a deal was always going to be difficult to complete with a host of clubs across Europe’s top leagues interested, as well as teams back in Argentina. As long as Alonso plays him often enough, Buendia should thrive at Leverkusen.
