Emi Buendia continues to be linked with a move to Leeds United as Daniel Farke’s old Norwich City star struggles for game time at Aston Villa and now, Ben Jacobs has shared some information.
Angus Kinnear revealed that Buendia rejected Leeds in the summer, as The Whites looked to bring in some competition for Brenden Aaronson in the no.10 role with a player that starred under Daniel Farke.
But Argentina international Buendia’s game time has not improved at Aston Villa in recent weeks. Indeed, Villa signing Donyell Malen is only going to help Leeds in any possible pursuit of Buendia in due course.
Buendia has been afforded just two starts this season, both coming in the Carabao Cup. He has played less than 300 minutes of football, coming off the bench in 16 other matches for Unai Emery’s Villa side.
Ben Jacobs shares Aston Villa stance on Buendia joining Leeds
It is easy to see why Leeds would be after Buendia. Firstly, his stats with Norwich in England’s second tier are incredible – having a hand in 51 goals during 77 Championship games and secondly, Aaronson’s form.
The USA star has been good without excelling and certainly lacks consistency. Ben Jacobs told The View podcast on Thursday evening that Villa are open to selling Buendia permanently, but Leeds not so much.
“It’s more than an easy link to Farke, it’s a manager-driven move. Things can change, but Buendia does not want to drop down. Villa are open to a permanent sale but that’s not for Leeds right now,” he said.
“Or, more-likely, a loan with an option or obligation. A loan with an option would be Leeds paying 100% of the wages, not something Leeds want to do. An obligation, they may be more flexible with the wages.”
What Daniel Farke has said about Emi Buendia in the past
Buendia’s best form came during Farke’s era as Norwich manager, having signed the pocket-sized talent from Getafe in the summer of 2018. His Argentina debut came a few months after joining Villa in 2022.
Buendia is not going to get any more game time than he has done during the first half of the season at Villa, especially with Malen on board and Jacob Ramsey back from injury. The latter started last night.
So a move could happen for Buendia. A player that Farke once told the Eastern Daily Press while boss at Norwich: “He is a fantastic attacking option. I love Emi Buendia.” Leeds fans would surely love him, too.
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