Emi Buendia was a name many Leeds fans expected to end up at Elland Road but the Argentine chose Bayer Leverkusen and made his debut on Sunday.
Leeds fans will try to dismiss anything to do with Buendia after he rejected the Whites this January.
The Aston Villa midfielder opted for a move to join Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen despite Leeds having a good chance to sign Buendia.
Buendia said Leverkusen was more ‘appealing’ than Leeds which is hard to argue with the German side’s Champions League status.
Despite not showing an interest in the 28-year-old anymore, the Leeds faithful may want to know about Buendia’s strange debut.
Xabi Alonso on Emi Buendia’s debut after Leeds United snub
Buendia made his debut in the Bundesliga as Leverkusen ran out 3-1 winners against Hoffenheim.
The Argentine was introduced slightly earlier than expected, coming on in the 42nd minute for Nathan Tella who suffered an injury.
The midfielder already made his impact at the start of the second half as his mazy run for Leverkusen’s third (1:42) showed exactly why Leeds were interested, but what happened after was bizarre.
Buendia’s debut was short-lived, as after a red card for Alejandro Grimaldo, the debutant was substituted in the 68th minute.
Alonso commented on the decision in the post-match press conference on Sunday.
“It was a shame, but I thought at that moment that we needed one more defender,” said Alonso.
“He had a good influence on our game. He is a mature player.”
READ MORE: Whether Leeds United are close to handing Junior Firpo a new Elland Road contract
Buendia comments on debut as Leeds fans may look on with smugness
Buendia could still form a summer move to Leeds due to his current deal with Leverkusen being a loan.
Saying that however, the 28-year-old’s debut may have pleased Leeds fans who endured their own success on the weekend.
Leeds’ 7-0 win against Cardiff City will probably have suggested the Whites don’t need Buendia, but no doubt if the opportunity presented itself Leeds would act quickly.
Buendia spoke on Alonso’s decision, which may have already caused some slight tension for the new Leverkusen loanee.
Speaking after the Hoffenheim game in a post-match interview, Buendia said: “The substitution was because a teammate was injured, then the sending off. The coach explained to me that my substitution would be the best thing for the team.
“He apologized to me for the situation. But for me that’s normal in football, I have to accept it – especially if it’s good for the team.”
One of the stranger debuts in football, as Buendia could regret not making the Leeds move if things continue.
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