Emi Buendia transfer update emerges as Unai Emery has January decision to make at Aston Villa
Emi Buendia has long been linked with a move away from Aston Villa.
Buendia returned to Villa after a loan at Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, after spending the second half of the last campaign in the Bundesliga.
The likes of Leeds United have since shown interest in Buendia, but Unai Emery opted to keep the attacking midfielder in B6.
The Argentine came on as Villa beat Fulham 3-1 at Villa Park, grabbing a goal and an assist in the process for the claret and blue outfit.
This has raised questions over his future in the Midlands, leaving Emery with a big decision to make over Buendia ahead of the January transfer window.
Emi Buendia January exit looks highly unlikely
Buendia faced an uncertain future at Villa throughout the summer, but he has remained patient and taken his chance in the first team.
His impact against the Cottagers last time out was superb after what was a surprising half-time move from Emery to take off Harvey Elliott, grabbing a goal and assist in the win.
This is likely to see him retain his place in the starting eleven moving forward, presenting the Villa boss with a selection dilemma should Buendia remain with the B6 club for the entire season.
Former West Ham midfielder Martin Allen believes the 28-year-old will avoid a winter exit and compete for a place with the summer signing from Liverpool.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Allen said: “They certainly won’t let Buendia go in January.
“He’s a good player, he will now stay in the team, and it’s up to him now to keep the shirt.
“He’s got to keep scoring and assisting, playing well and stand his ground and give Emery a decision to make.
“If Elliott gets the chance to start over him, he’ll want to go on and deliver as well.“
Buendia deserves to stay at Aston Villa
It has been a mixed bag of a season for the former Norwich City man so far, but there is no doubting the effort that he puts in.
This was on show against Fulham, with his excellent defensive output on show alongside a match-defining two-goal involvement.
If Buendia can maintain this level of performance moving forward, there is no reason why he can’t become a starting regular for the Villans.
It is unclear what this could mean for Elliott, who is already in danger of becoming an outcast at Villa Park.
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