Emi Buendia is a player frequently discussed by Leeds United fans due to his limited playing time at Aston Villa and the creative void in Daniel Farke’s squad.
Leeds must stay competitive in the transfer market, especially with Sunderland, Burnley, and Sheffield United already strengthening their squads. As one of the teams vying for automatic promotion, Leeds are aiming for a second consecutive season in the Championship with Farke at the helm.
The Argentine has seen limited playing time in recent months, managing just 71 minutes in 11 Premier League appearances. With 18 months remaining on his Villa contract, Villa may be willing to sell him now before his value decreases as he enters the final year of his deal.
A loan deal with an option to buy, contingent on Leeds’ promotion, could be a sensible option. Although Brenden Aaronson has returned to the first-team fold this season, Leeds still lack depth in the No. 10 role.
The club is reportedly looking to bring in more competition for Aaronson, and CEO Angus Kinnear mentioned Buendia as a potential target for the summer transfer window, although a deal didn’t materialize. Given that Buendia is now free to leave Villa, here are three reasons why Leeds should act quickly to sign him this month.
Leeds’ most significant weakness, aside from their issues in goal, is the lack of genuine creative threats in attack. Buendia could make a major impact, particularly as a player Farke knows well and can trust, having worked with him successfully before.
Buendia has previously proven to be a game-changer, particularly in the Championship. His influence in Norwich’s title-winning campaign was immense, and he was one of the division’s standout creative players. While opportunities are limited in the Premier League, his qualities are tailor-made for the Championship, where creative players are vital for breaking down stubborn defences.
His style of play is ideal for teams like Leeds, who often struggle against compact, low-block defences. Buendia could provide the spark Leeds need to overcome such opposition, a recurring challenge in Farke’s two seasons in charge. Furthermore, he offers a unique skill set, and Leeds lack players of his caliber in their squad.
During his last stint in the Championship, Buendia contributed 31 goals and assists, forming an excellent partnership with Teemu Pukki. He also won Championship Player of the Year, and his impact could be the key to Leeds’ promotion hopes.
Buendia could seamlessly integrate into Leeds’ squad, understanding Farke’s tactics quickly. A loan deal could be more effective than a mid-season signing, as he would likely adapt faster without needing a full pre-season to adjust.
Signing Buendia would send a clear statement to the rest of the Championship. It would underline Leeds’ ambition and show they are ready to compete with the likes of Sunderland, who recently made a strong move for Enzo Le Fée. A high-profile loan like this could be the signing of the window, adding considerable strength to Leeds’ promotion bid.
Despite recovering from a knee injury sustained in the 2023/24 season, Buendia could still offer significant value if he regains full fitness. The risk of injury is worth it for the potential reward of his creative spark and match-winning abilities.
Other clubs may show interest, but Leeds should do everything they can to convince Buendia to join them, especially given his familiarity with Farke’s system. Leeds must demonstrate their ambition and financial strength by securing his services this month.
3 reasons why Leeds United must push to seal Aston Villa, Emi Buendia transfer this month
