Emi Buendia has once again emerged as a transfer target for Leeds United in the summer transfer window.
Leeds United are gearing up for a crucial summer that could define their return to the Premier League.
Daniel Farke wants to significantly improve his squad in the transfer window and Leeds are expected to be highly active throughout the summer.
While several positions are set to be improved upon, a new playmaker to upgrade on Brenden Aaronson appears to be the first target after a lot of names were linked to Leeds this past week.
Leeds have long been interested in Gustavo Hamer and Sheffield United are resigned to losing him after defeat in the Play-off final to Sunderland.
Frank Lampard’s favourite Jack Rudoni has been named as a fresh target following his excellent season in the Championship.
The latest name to once again rear his head is Emi Buendia, who Leeds still have an interest in after failing in attempts to sign him in the last two windows.
Journalist Ben Jacob reports: “Gustavo Hamer could leave Sheffield United. Leeds retain an interest, and still like Emi Buendia.”
Here’s what Farke and the club have said about Aston Villa star Buendia in the past.
- Emi Buendia to Leeds United transfer: The Argentine playmaker Daniel Farke ‘really rates’
What Daniel Farke has said on Emi Buendia
Though he didn’t reveal the truth until promotion was sealed, Farke did want a new signing in January and was keen to add competition in attacking midfield.
A new player didn’t arrive but Leeds were keen on bringing in Buendia on loan. Farke was asked about his former player and couldn’t help but praise him despite not wanting to comment.
Farke told Leeds Live: “I don’t speak about any other player under contract at another club. Obviously, I’ve worked with him for many years, I really rate him. I don’t comment on players on other clubs.”
Buendia instead chose Bayer Leverkusen as he didn’t want to drop down to the second tier.
Why Leeds United missed out on Emi Buendia last summer
Leeds were also keen on signing Buendia in the summer of 2024.
However, Villa didn’t want to let him go then and the Argentine did not want to return to the Championship.
Former Leeds CEO Angus Kinnear said on the Square Ball Podcast last year: “I can talk specifically about two examples, two players we thought would fit the bill, would be significantly better than who we have currently.
“Bear in mind we’re looking at replacing a £40m player, which is obviously going to be challenging at Championship level.
“Buendia was on our list and, very clearly from Aston Villa, wasn’t going to be released and the player didn’t want to come back down to Championship level. He felt he served his time at Championship level.”
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