Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Fri 3 April 2026 7:00, UK

Aston Villa have seen the best and worst of Emi Buendia this season.

The Argentine came back in from the cold at Villa Park after spending the second half of last campaign on loan at Bayer Leverkusen.

That was initially a point of frustration for the B6 faithful after a largely disappointing summer transfer window for Unai Emery and Co.

Fans were quickly left eating their words after a string of excellent early-season performances from the attacking midfielder.

His recent showings haven’t followed suit, and Buendia may have an uncertain future with Villa as we assess what we know about his contract situation.

What is Emi Buendia’s contract situation at Aston Villa?

There have been plenty of stunning moments from the 29-year-old this campaign that have resulted in favourable reviews in the Midlands.

Unfortunately, those have been few and far between since the turn of the year, leaving his goal output to dry up in the Premier League.

That has come as a blow, especially while John McGinn and Youri Tielemans were missing through injury for so long.

The star duo are back and ready to feature for the Villans, leaving Buendia in a difficult spot as his game time comes under threat.

That is especially the case given his contract expires in the summer of 2027, leaving him just a year to prove himself once the campaign comes to an end.

Reports suggest that the Argentine is earning a reported £75,000 per week in B6, which equates to a yearly wage in the region of £3.9million.

Buendia has been poor for Villa recently, and that sort of wage is unlikely to sit well with the hierarchy if his performance levels don’t pick up.

When could Buendia leave Aston Villa?

Based on recent showings, it feels unlikely that the former Norwich City man is going to land a new contract at Villa Park.

The Villans wanted to move him on in January and in the summer, but ultimately had their hand forced to keep hold of him.

That proved to be a great move when he hit form earlier in the season, but with 12 months remaining on his contract, the future isn’t looking particularly bright.

Villa could look to move Buendia on when the summer transfer window opens in the hope of landing some sort of fee for his departure.

If they leave it any later, a free transfer exit feels likely once the 2026-27 season comes to an end in the Midlands.