Aston Villa news: Emiliano Buendia facing exit after confirmed news – pundit

Noel Whelan has suggested Aston Villa star Emiliano Buendia could exit this summer after Philippe Coutinho’s permanent arrival.

The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 25-year-old hasn’t been consistent enough since arriving in the wake of Jack Grealish’s British-record sale.

Aston Villa confirmed the signing of Coutinho on a permanent deal on Thursday (12 May).

The Barcelona midfielder has signed a four-year deal with the Midlands giants after joining on an initial loan in January.

Coutinho has notched four goals and three assists since joining Steven Gerrard’s side, while Buendia has registered three goals and six assists all season.

Whelan suggested the Argentina international may not have the trust of the Villa boss.

“That points to Buendia’s exit, for me,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.

“He’s not really hit the heights that everyone expected from him after coming into Aston Villa. He was supposed to be the Grealish replacement.

“When you look at the fact that Gerrard went out and got Coutinho straight away – it points to maybe he doesn’t quite trust Buendia.

“He’s not been consistent enough, and it could be that Gerrard is more than willing to let him go this summer if the price is right.”

Aston Villa sit 13th in the Premier League after winning just two of their last top-flight meetings.

Aston Villa

Buendia cost the Midlands giants a reported potential fee of £38million last summer (2021).

The former Norwich man has started just two of the last 10 games.

In other news, Gerrard slammed by pundit for “too much talking” after latest Aston Villa swipe.