Aston Villa set to soon lose 'three class internationals' - 'Can you imagine that'

Aston Villa have taken a significant risk by failing to sort out Emiliano Buendia's contract situation.

That is the opinion of former senior Villa scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

The 29-year-old has just one year remaining on his deal at Villa Park, and will leave for free next summer if an agreement is not found.

Buendia was a surprise package for Unai Emery last season, scoring 11 goals and providing nine assists in what was undoubtedly his best campaign since his 2021 move from Norwich City.

The Argentina international will be key next season, too, following the departure of Morgan Rogers.

Yet should his head be turned by a bid this summer, Villa will have no choice but to accept his exit as well.

Aston Villa risk losing 'three class international players'

It has already been a damaging summer for Villa, who have lost both Rogers and Youri Tielemans.

The Villans could yet lose Ezri Konsa, too, who is of growing interest to Premier League champions Arsenal.

Despite winning the Europa League and qualifying for the Champions League, Emery's team appears to have gotten weaker, and the loss of Buendia would be gutting.

"What they should have done, really, is have him signed and sealed before the World Cup," King told Football Insider.

"You know, I think after the season he had, to let it run down to one year, they should have had a new contract on the table for him in the middle of the winter period.  

"He should have signed a new contract in January last year. You know what I mean? Can you imagine that? Imagine the three players they've lost.

"Three class international players. Argentina, Belgium, England. For me, that's no way to build on the great season you had with your three best players."

What has Emi Buendia said about his contract situation?

Villa will retain confidence that they can agree a deal with Buendia in the coming weeks, especially given his comments in May.

"I wanted to stay here, I wanted to play for this club. If the chance never come, maybe the ways will be different, but I think until the last moment I could play for this club and achieve good things," he said.

"I worked so much for this. I've been working in everything to have a night like this."

However, all the time Buendia has just one year left, he remains an exit worry for Villa this summer.

That worry must be addressed across the coming days as the Villans attempt to avoid losing any more key players.