Whelan: ‘Leeds were interested’ in signing Buendia and ‘missed a trick’ as Villa deal completed
Noel Whelan has claimed Leeds United “missed a trick” in not pursuing a deal for Emiliano Buendia.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Whites and Middlesbrough striker heaped praise on the “special” 24-year-old and suggested he could have been a real asset to Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
It has been widely reported over the last 12 months that Leeds have held an interest in signing Buendia.
However, the Whites possible hopes of signing the Argentina international today appear to be over after Aston Villa confirmed that they have come to an agreement with Norwich City for his transfer.
Football Insider understands the deal comprises of a guaranteed £33million, £5million in add-ons and a basic wage for the player of around £75,000-a-week.
Whelan rues Leeds not challenging Villa and Arsenal for Buendia’s signature.
“I think we missed a trick there,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“Number 10 is such an important position and there is only really Rodrigo as a decent option in there. You can never have enough good creative players in your side and Buendia is certainly one of those.
“He is a player who plays in between the lines and can change a game in a moment. He is a special player who can see passes that other can’t. That little bit of magic, he has got it.
“He was the standout performer in the Championship last season and I was very impressed with him when he played in the Premier League for Norwich City. He has proved that he can do it against the best.
“Leeds were interested and there was a lot of talk about a potential move but they clearly never pursued that interest.
“Great players like that cost a lot of money but they are worth every penny.”
In other news, Whelan gutted after what he’s heard about Leeds star.