Leeds United’s pursuit of Emiliano Buendía has taken a hit with the news of his contract extension at Aston Villa. As reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic (26 January), Buendía has agreed to a new deal that will keep him at Villa Park until 2027. This move, while safeguarding Villa’s financial interests, does not entirely rule out the possibility of a transfer, though it significantly complicates Leeds’ hopes of securing the Argentine on a permanent basis in this transfer window.
The 28-year-old creative midfielder, who has represented Argentina at the international level, has drawn interest from a variety of clubs across Europe and Saudi Arabia. Reports suggest that Buendía himself was keen to explore his options before committing to a Championship move. With Leeds United manager Daniel Farke previously working with Buendía at Norwich City, it’s no surprise that Farke is eager to reunite with the player, knowing exactly how much he could bring to the team.
Buendía’s addition to Leeds would be a major coup for Farke’s side, as his profile aligns perfectly with the club’s needs. His experience in both the Premier League and the Championship, coupled with his creativity, technical ability, and vision, would provide the team with a much-needed boost in attacking midfield. Brenden Aaronson, who has often operated in that role, has struggled to deliver consistently, leaving Leeds in need of a more dynamic option to push them closer to their goal of promotion. Buendía’s proven record, particularly under Farke at Norwich, suggests he could be the perfect fit for the Whites.
The contract extension does not entirely close the door on Buendía’s departure, though it reduces the urgency for Aston Villa to make a decision this January. By adding an additional year to his existing deal, Villa have effectively ensured they are under no pressure to sell, while still leaving the door open for a potential move if the right offer comes along. Villa manager Unai Emery has largely built his success without relying on Buendía, who has struggled to regain his place in the squad following a lengthy injury layoff. This has left Buendía as something of a fringe player in the Villa squad, making him a potential candidate for a loan or eventual transfer.
Leeds United should not abandon their pursuit, as the possibility of a loan deal could still be on the table. A temporary move might suit all parties involved. For Villa, it would allow Buendía to gain valuable game time and rebuild his form without permanently losing him. For Buendía, it would be a chance to play regularly and reignite his career at a club where he would be a key player. For Leeds, it would provide an immediate injection of quality in the attacking third as they push for promotion back to the Premier League.
Even if a deal cannot be struck in this window, Leeds should monitor Buendía’s situation closely for future opportunities. His new contract, while complicating matters in the short term, does not make him untouchable. If Leeds are willing to make a significant bid or negotiate a favorable loan arrangement, Villa may still find it difficult to turn down the offer, especially if Buendía remains on the fringes of Emery’s plans.
Ultimately, while this latest development presents a challenge, it should not deter Leeds United from pursuing a player who could make a transformative impact at Elland Road. With his prime years ahead of him and a proven track record of success under Farke, Emiliano Buendía remains an ideal target for Leeds’ promotion push, whether in this window or beyond.