There seemed to be one player that both Leeds United fans and Daniel Farke were desperate to see arrive at Elland Road in January: Emi Buendia. But it looks like that won’t be happening.
Emi Buendia has been linked with a move to Leeds United after falling out of favour at Aston Villa under Unai Emery.
Leeds wanted to sign Buendia on loan, as did several other clubs. Leeds boss Daniel Farke wanted a reunion with the Argentine who he worked with at Norwich City.
It could’ve been Leeds’ best January signing in years and arguably the best signing in the Championship so far in 2025. But recent reports have revealed that Buendia is set to join Bayern Leverkusen on loan.
It all but ends the Whites’ pursuit of the 28-year-old. For now at least… Buendia out of contract at Villa Park in 2026 and he could be primed for a permanent exit from the club in the summer, as Villa won’t want to eventually lose him on a free transfer.
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Leeds United could make summer swoop for Emi Buendia
Leeds United News recently caught up with transfer expert Graeme Bailey. He tells us that Leeds’ chances of signing Buendia on loan would’ve grown as the window went on, but that a move to Bundesliga champions Leverkusen is simply a ‘better option’.
Despite that, Leeds could be tempted into making a summer move for Buendia. Bailey said: “Buendia, they were hoping and if he was still there at the end of the window then there was a good chance of getting him but as it turns out, Leverkusen is a better option for him.
“I still think Leeds will show interest in the summer, we will see what happens. There is a good chance Xabi Alonso [Leverkusen manager] leaves and I don’t think it is guaranteed Buendia will stay there.”
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Why Leeds United have hope of a summer deal for Emi Buendia
Buendia’s Aston Villa career looks to be over. He’s finally leaving and even if he proves impressive in Germany, a summer sale still seems likely.
Villa won’t want to lose him for nothing and if Buendia performs well in Germany then it’ll only put him in the shop window for a potential summer move.
Earlier in the season, it was suggested that Buendia wanted to leave Aston Villa as his situation was ‘unsustainable’, and that won’t be changing at the end of the campaign.
So a summer move looks likely, if not nailed on. But Leeds will almost definitely need promotion to stand a chance of signing him.
For Farke, moving for Buendia could be the first thing on his to do list of Leeds are promoted this season.
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