Unai Emery hints at €39m Aston Villa midfielder transfer after Monaco fury

Unai Emery has hinted once again that midfielder Emiliano Buendia could leave the club before the end of the January transfer window.

Buendia, a standout performer in the disappointing 1-0 defeat away at AS Monaco, has the opportunity to depart for game time as he’s found himself down the midfield pecking order at Villa Park. Selected in the XI at Stade Louis-II on Tuesday night, Buendia made only his third start of the season across all competitions and his first ever in the Champions League.

Championship club Leeds United have been heavily linked with a move for Buendia as they seek to bolster their creative options to boost their promotion push. Meanwhile, Birmingham World understands that clubs in the player’s home nation, Argentina, have expressed an interest to his representatives.

Villa would rather loan out Buendia rather than let him leave on a permanent basis but the door is ajar if the terms are right. Emery has hinted as much on two occasions now, with his latest comments coming after this week’s 1-0 loss in Monaco.

Emery hints at Buendia departure amid Leeds interest

The head coach was seething with elements of his team’s performance but was sure to bring up at least some positives. “Of course, I am very happy with a lot of players. Today, especially with Emi Buendia,” Emery said.

“He has the option to leave but today we needed him and he played fantastic with his qualities, fantastic mentality and fantastic with his commitment with the squad.”

Just last week, before the 2-2 draw at Arsenal, Emery admitted similar as he said: “Emi Buendia had last year a long injury but he started this year progressively getting better. He didn’t feel 100 per cent in the season until now. But now he is playing more minutes and helping the team.

“But maybe he can have the possibility to leave. For him, it could be something where he can play more, get more minutes, get confidence again and being comfortable playing again in the starting XI. Of course, now he is helping us and I am happy with his attitude.”

Signed for €39 million (£33 million) from Norwich City in July 2021, Buendia has racked up 10 goals and nine assists in 96 appearances for Villa. The one-time Argentina international, effective in any attacking midfield role or on either flank, featured in every game of the 2022/23 Premier League season and only missed three league matches during his first campaign in claret and blue.

It’s undoubtedly been a tough year or two since his serious injury but Buendia is working incredibly hard in training to try and get back to his best. A loan away could be the ideal method for the 28-year-old to rediscover his mojo.