Aston Villa handed new Emiliano Buendia incentive as pre-season stats emerge
Aston Villa are still yet to address Emiliano Buendia's contract situation this summer despite his superb form continuing.
The 29-year-old was incredibly impressive in Friday's 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich, which saw Kim Min-Jae and Luis Diaz cancel out Joao Gomes' goal.
Yet he remains stuck in purgatory, with less than a year remaining on his contract despite a sensational season.
Buendia was an unexpected inclusion in Unai Emery's last season but ultimately scored 11 goals and provided nine assists across all competitions, proving his worth unequivocally.
Villa will be confident that a new deal will be eventually agreed with the Argentina international, who is keen to extend his contract, but they are playing a risky game.
Should Buendia's head be turned by another club in the coming weeks, decision-makers will be forced to sell another key player or risk him leaving on a free transfer.
Emi Buendia's brilliant stats vs Bayern Munich
Villa signed Buendia from Norwich City in 2021 after he has enjoyed a sensational season in the Championship.
The winger struggled to reach the same heights in the Premier League, however, and looked to have lost out on a future at Villa Park when he suffered an ACL injury in 2023.
Upon his return, the Argentine struggled for minutes and went to Bayer Leverkusen for the second half of the 2024-25 season, struggling there as well.
Buendia's Villa career might have ended there, but he asked for a second chance and fully repaid Emery when he was given it.
The winger has continued to be in great form in pre-season, and impressed against Bayern for an unexpected reason.
While Buendia is usually known for his attacking talents, the winger put in a staggering defensive performance.
The 29-year-old made more defensive contributions than anyone else on the pitch, making an extraordinary 10 tackles.
He also made an interception, six recoveries, won two free kicks and an astonishing 13 duels throughout his 79 minutes on the pitch.
What is the hold up with Buendia's contract?
Bizarrely, it is unclear if talks are indeed ongoing over a new contract for Buendia.
The winger has made it clear that he would like to stay and it has been reported that Villa are keen to hand him a new deal, yet progress is unclear.
"I wanted to stay here, I wanted to play for this club. If the chance never came, maybe the ways will be different, but I think until the last moment I could play for this club and achieve good things," Buendia said in May.
"I worked so much for this. I've been working in everything to have a night like this."
It remains to be seen whether a new deal will indeed keep him at Villa Park for at least another two years.