Emi Buendia ‘to seal perfect Leeds United loan move’ after Aston Villa exit news
Emi Buendia would become a “coveted player” at a club further down the Premier League or in the Championship by leaving Aston Villa, according to Ian Darke.
The playmaker spent a sustained period on the sidelines through injury last season but has spent this term on the periphery of Unai Emery’s squad, as links to a January exit intensify.
Leeds United are among the clubs suggested to be offering Buendia a way out of Villa Park for more game time, a place where he would reunite with former boss Daniel Farke, though it appears to be unlikely at present (TEAMtalk, 31 December).
“Buendia has played in the Premier League and Championship and he’s a really good creative player. It’s just a shame for him that Aston Villa have so much talent that he’s consigned to the bench,” TV commentator Darke exclusively told Villa News.
“A loan away to a big club in the Championship or even further down the Premier League could suit him, but then Villa might not want to release many from their squad when they’re going to advance further in the Champions League.
“He’s been linked with Leeds United – a loan there would be perfect for minutes, getting his confidence back as presumably a starter and a coveted player.”
Emi Buendia could leave Aston Villa this month
Buendia is one of many footballing victims of what a long-term injury can do to a player’s career momentum at prime age.
The 28-year-old played every Premier League game during the 2022-23 season at Aston Villa after missing just three in his first campaign at the club, where he joined from Farke’s Norwich City.
Now in the Champions League, Emery’s Villa team have moved on somewhat without him – the Argentine international has not played more than 15 minutes in a Premier League game this season to date, though could feature in Friday’s FA Cup tie against West Ham United (10 January).
In other Aston Villa news, Tyrone Mings will be eager to find out what is going on regarding his future.
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