‘From What I’m Told’ – Aston Villa star headed for exit now in line for extension
Emiliano Buendia is in line for a new contract at Aston Villa as Unai Emery has been impressed by his performances so far this season.
That is according to former Aston Villa and Man United senior scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 28-year-old has played his way into new terms at Villa Park.
Buendia has emerged as one of Villa’s most consistent players so far this season, and has contributed to important goals against Tottenham, Man City and Arsenal.
The former Norwich star scored the winning goal as Aston Villa beat Arsenal 2-1 on Saturday, and Emery was once again impressed by what he saw.
Football Insider revealed in August that Aston Villa were ready to offload Buendia in the summer window’s closing stages, but they may now be set for a U-turn.
Emi Buendia in line for a new Aston Villa contract
Brown told Football Insider last month that Aston Villa plan to open talks with Buendia over a new deal to extend his stay beyond the current 2027 expiry date.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that he now expects the attacking midfielder to put pen to paper before the season ends.
“I believe Villa will want to keep him around,” he told Football Insider.
“From what I’m told, Emery has been impressed by him so far this season, and that goal against Arsenal won’t have done him any harm in that regard.
“They’ll want him to stick around longer than his current contract because he’s proven he can be a very valuable player who offers them something different.
“When you look at his career, he’s one of these players who has a load of promise, but goes through large spells where he’s not quite delivering.
“During his time at Norwich, we all knew what he could do in bursts, but he struggled to make an impact and eventually they let him move on.
“Now, he’s got something to play for, he’s playing for a new contract and playing in a successful team and he’s giving everything he’s got.
“That has shown the manager what he’s capable of, and he’s playing his way into agreeing a new deal.
“So I expect it’s something Villa will get to before the season ends, especially if he continues to perform like he has been so far this season.”
Aston Villa could be forced to sell players in January
Despite Villa putting plans in place to keep one of their key players, there is a growing belief that they may have to sell before they can recruit in January.
Football Insider revealed on 7 December that Aston Villa have financial concerns and could be forced to let players leave when the mid-season window opens.
The Villans must offload Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott back to their parent clubs or sell Ollie Watkins, should they want to bring in new arrivals at Villa Park.
This comes after Villa were restricted from spending big in the summer due to concerns about their profit and sustainability position and any potential sanction.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 5 December that Villa would accept £35million for Watkins if an offer of that sum arrives in January.
For more Aston Villa and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.