Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Tue 10 March 2026 14:30, UK

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Unai Emery may finally part ways with Emi Buendia after the playmaker’s brilliant campaign at Aston Villa.

The 29-year-old has seven goals and five assists in all competitions this season, proving himself worthy of a regular spot in the starting lineup after being on loan at Bayer Leverkusen last term.

Fans at Villa Park had begun to believe that battling for the Premier League title was a possibility, but with an overall drop in form in the Midlands, Buendia has struggled in front of goal as well.

Aston Villa are bound to have transfer plans in place ahead of the summer window, and despite being contracted until 2027, Emery has a huge decision to make on the Argentine midfielder.

Emi Buendia could finally be finished at Villa Park

Buendia is currently in a very poor run of form, but due to his previous performances this season, his price tag is only likely to have gone up from last summer.

Several clubs were interested in signing him then, including Leeds United, with links to his former manager Daniel Farke, and it would be surprising if he didn’t have more suitors this time around.

While he is a beloved figure at Villa Park, it could be time to cash in on his signature, especially given the player that Emery’s side have recently been linked with on a free transfer.

According to reports from Germany, Aston Villa are battling Newcastle United for German playmaker Julian Brandt, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

Julian Brandt set to leave Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer

Borussia Dortmund failed to agree terms with the 29-year-old on a new deal, which will bring an end to his seven-year stay at Signal Iduna Park.

Everton are also interested in Brandt, but given how Villa have flourished under Emery’s guidance, it should be simple enough for the Villans to draw him over the Midlands instead.

This season, the attacking midfielder, also capable of featuring at left-wing like Buendia, has notched 10 goals and four assists, adding to his 21 goal contributions from the previous campaign.

He’s also an international star, winning 48 caps for the German national team so far, and he is only likely to win more if he makes a move to the Premier League ahead of next season.