Leeds United’s pursuit of Emi Buendia has become a source of growing frustration for both the club and their fans, with reports indicating that the Argentine midfielder is unwilling to drop to the Championship despite clear indications from Aston Villa that they are open to letting him go. Buendia, who is currently on the fringes of Villa’s squad after recovering from a lengthy injury layoff last season, is reportedly prioritizing listening to offers from top-flight clubs rather than considering a move to Elland Road, even though Leeds are keen to secure his services during the winter transfer window. According to The Sun on Sunday (26 January), Leeds United are prepared to either pay a fee for Buendia or take him on loan, but the 28-year-old is reluctant to commit to a move that would see him playing in the second tier of English football.
This situation is creating a sense of frustration at Leeds, especially considering the club’s strong push for promotion back to the Premier League. Leeds are currently in a strong position in the Championship, and a move for Buendia could have been a crucial boost to their chances of securing top-flight football for next season. However, with the player’s hesitation to join a Championship side, the deal seems to be becoming more complicated by the day.
The issue seems to be rooted in Buendia’s desire to remain in the Premier League. Having enjoyed a solid spell at Norwich City, where he was one of the most influential players under Daniel Farke, Buendia likely feels that his talents are better suited to top-tier football. Despite his lack of consistent playing time at Villa, the 28-year-old knows that he is good enough to play regularly in the Premier League, and he seems to be holding out for offers from top-level teams, many of which could come from abroad.
Leeds, on the other hand, have been actively pursuing Buendia, knowing that his skill set would be a perfect fit for their system under Farke. The Argentine attacking midfielder could provide the creativity and playmaking ability that Leeds are missing, and a reunion with Farke, under whom Buendia thrived at Norwich, could reignite his career. Leeds are keen on bringing him to Elland Road, and a move to the Championship could be an attractive option for Buendia, allowing him to play regularly and potentially push for Premier League football again next season. However, it appears that Buendia’s ambition to play in the Premier League is outweighing the potential benefits of a move to Leeds.
For Leeds, this ongoing saga is proving to be increasingly frustrating. They are still active in the transfer market and have been seeking to strengthen their squad, but with the transfer window closing soon, there’s no guarantee they’ll manage to bring in new signings. The prospect of Buendia joining could have been a game-changer for Leeds, especially given his previous form in the Premier League and his ability to make an impact in the final third. However, the fact that he is now stalling on the move is creating uncertainty, and Leeds may have to explore other options if this deal falls through.
From Buendia’s perspective, the decision to reject a move to Leeds, despite the club’s position at the top of the Championship, is understandable in some respects. He’s probably aware that a move to a club in the Championship would not carry the same prestige as playing for a Premier League team. However, this decision could prove to be short-sighted, as a move to Leeds could help him regain form, increase his playing time, and even secure a Premier League move by next season. In fact, Leeds would likely be able to offer him a platform to shine in front of Farke, who knows how to get the best out of him.
The question now is whether Buendia will reconsider his stance and warm to the idea of a temporary move to Leeds or whether he’ll continue to hold out for a Premier League club. It seems as though Leeds’ best chance is to convince him that joining the Championship leaders could be a win-win situation for both his career and the club’s promotion ambitions. Whether or not that happens will likely depend on how much Buendia values playing time and whether he feels a move to Leeds could help him get back into the Premier League sooner rather than later.
Ultimately, with the transfer deadline fast approaching, Leeds United will be hoping Buendia changes his mind and decides that playing for Farke in the Championship is worth the risk. If he does, it could be a huge boost for Leeds as they push for Premier League promotion. If not, they’ll have to explore other avenues to strengthen their squad in a bid to ensure they have enough to secure top-flight football for next season. Time will tell if the Buendia saga will have a happy ending for Leeds or if they’ll be left looking elsewhere before the window shuts.