Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Wed 18 March 2026 17:10, UK

Emi Buendia could be on his way out of Aston Villa in the summer.

The Argentine, at one stage of the season, was arguably the biggest surprise of the squad with his performance levels hitting new heights.

He showcased his best form since signing for the Villans from Norwich City all the way back in the summer of 2021.

His goal against Arsenal is also viewed as one of the moments of the season, but the attacking midfielder has started to struggle again in recent weeks.

That has now seen Buendia linked with a departure from Aston Villa as his recent drop off comes under scrutiny.

Emi Buendia could be moved on by Aston Villa

The number 10 has contributed to 13 goals this campaign, but having scored just one Premier League goal since the turn of the year, he is starting to grate on fans.

Supporters are right to grow impatient with the attacker, as his impact has become disappointing, and his tendency to misplace a pass grows week after week.

That could see Buendia become one name on the potential exit list moving into the summer, as many hope for a rebuild at Villa Park.

Former B6 scout Bryan King has questioned whether the ex-Norwich man could move on and find a route out of Bodymoor Heath when the window opens.

Speaking exclusively to Villa News, King said: “Players are controlled by the way they perform.

“Football is all about ifs. If you aren’t performing, it’s about two things: your form has gone, or you’re not happy at the club and with the manager.

“Does he need a new challenge now? If those things are joined together, it may be time for him to leave.

“I think he could be moved on, let’s put it that way. There’s no chance they get the £33m they paid for him, no chance.

“There will be a club out there that wants to take him, that’s the way it goes.”

It looks as if Buendia could be on his way out of Aston Villa, then, but there will be remaining questions of where he could go next.

Could Buendia now join Leeds United?

The attacker may have stuck around in the Midlands for the season, but that didn’t stop him from being strongly linked with an exit.

Leeds United were arguably linked the most with the two-cap Argentina international as a reunion with Daniel Farke was potentially on the cards.

That didn’t go through as Emery opted to keep hold of Buendia, but the upcoming summer window could see an Elland Road switch become possible once again.

A move to Yorkshire may prove to make sense for all parties, depending on the fee that the Villans could potentially demand for their one-time record signing.

He has certainly been a useful player in claret and blue over the years, but his race may now be run in B6.