Emi Buendia explains why he chose to join Bayer Leverkusen over Leeds United

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Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed the signing of Emi Buendia on loan with an option to buy the Aston Villa player on Wednesday, amid strong links with Leeds United.

Reports emerged that Emi Buendia was joining Leverkusen earlier this week and on Wednesday evening, Leverkusen announced Buendia before the German club’s 2-0 Champions League win over Sparta Prague.

The Argentina international will now be looking to help Xabi Alonso’s side reel in Bayern Munich in the race for the Bundesliga title. Buendia will also get to play in the Champions League knockout stages.

But Buendia’s move came after Leeds were keen on doing a deal. Graeme Bailey told LeedsUnited.News that Leeds had a “good chance” of reuniting Buendia with Daniel Farke, only for Leverkusen to steal in.

• READ MORE: Leeds may already have their no.10 solution right under their noses

Emi Buendia explains why he chose to join Bayer Leverkusen

Leeds are desperate to bring in a new no.10 and Buendia was top of the list. Angus Kinnear confirmed Buendia rejected Leeds in the summer, but interest from Leeds remained until the January window.

But Leverkusen have won the race for Buendia and the former Norwich City star has told Leverkusen’s website why he chose to join Alonso’s side – citing last season’s Bundesliga win, and European football.

“The Bundesliga is very appealing to me. Bayer Leverkusen are the defending champions and in my view one of the best and most interesting teams in Europe,” Buendia told Leverkusen’s website on Wednesday.

“I’ve obviously seen Leverkusen in the Champions League and also their Europa League games last season. It’s a great team that plays attractive football. I’m sure I can help contribute to the club’s success.”

Why Leeds could still stand a chance of signing Emi Buendia

It is unclear how much Leverkusen’s permanent clause in the loan deal for Buendia is worth. But, it is likely to be a sizeable amount to tempt Villa into agreeing a loan rather than trying to sell him in the summer.

If Leverkusen are to agree a permanent deal for Buendia in the summer at the end of his loan, then the Argentine is going to have to shine over the next few months – in a new country, surrounded by stars.

It is not a guarantee Buendia will start given Leverkusen boast the likes of Florian Wirtz, Nathan Tella and other attacking stars. If he returns to Villa and Leeds get promoted, Leeds could still sign Buendia.