Emi Buendia continues to be talked about when it comes to a reunion with Daniel Farke, with Leeds United interest continuing this summer.
Leeds United need a playmaker this summer, with Brenden Aaronson’s Championship struggles unlikely to improve in the Premier League next season and Buendia a potential option.
A Leeds United Newsexclusive revealed that Hamer and Buendia are the front-runners for Leeds amid talk that Buendia is valued at £20 million by Aston Villa recently.
The Argentine has been a player of interest for a number of years now, even before Farke arrived in West Yorkshire. It was even as recently as January when Leeds wanted Buendia, but Buendia did not want to drop into the Championship.
Emi Buendia opens up about Daniel Farke amid links to Leeds United
There has been talk of a £16.8 million Leeds move for Buendia earlier in the summer window, while other reports have suggested that a loan move has potential to secure Buendia from Aston Villa.
The Aston Villa playmaker has had his say on his future since then amid links to River Plate in his native Argentina, but now could be Leeds’ chance to swoop in on Buendia.
Amid recent reports and speculation building, Buendia has spoken about Farke in an interview with Talk Norwich City.
He was asked: “You must have had a real good strong connection with Daniel Farke and perhaps he was maybe the reason why you stayed at Norwich City longer, Emi? I’d love to hear more about your relationship with Daniel Farke and what was it like throughout your time at Norwich City?”
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Speaking on Farke, he said: “One of the most important coaches in my career. He gave me the chance to join the club, of course.
“For me, the most important thing he gave me as a player, he gave me the confidence to be myself, to enjoy, to feel free on the pitch.
“Obviously, I start my position on the right but then have the freedom to move in all the attacking areas.
“He was really good in terms of having a really good connection with me and saying the things I needed to hear in every moment.
“In the good ones and also in the not the best ones. I remember a few games in the Premier League when I was on the bench because I wasn’t playing well.
“I had made a few mistakes and he was telling me things and I accepted it. I wanted to be better and be prepared, so he is special for me.”
In the eyes of some, his recent comments could be construed as somewhat of a come-and-get-me plea to Leeds, be that on loan or for a ~£20 million sum.
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Emi Buendia’s Championship and Premier League record compared
Should Villa facilitate the Argentina international’s move to Elland Road, it would mean that the attacking midfielder will be reunited with Farke, who he worked under at Norwich to incredible effect.
The last time he played Championship football, he notched 31 goal contributions and built a brilliant partnership with Teemu Pukki. He also took home the Championship’s Player of the Year award.
Of course, his quality is such that his impact could be the differential Leeds need to survive, albeit he has never put it together in the Premier League to the same extent as what he managed with Norwich in the second tier.
Season/League Team Appearances Goals Assists
2018/19 – Championship Norwich City 41 8 17
2019/20 – Premier League Norwich City 39 1 8
2020/21 – Championship Norwich City 41 15 16
2021/22 – Premier League Aston Villa 37 4 6
2022/23 – Premier League Aston Villa 43 5 3
2024/25 – Premier League Aston Villa 19 1 0
Emi Buendia’s English football career stats (all comps)
Buendia’s Canaries stint indicates that, when he is working under Farke, he is a player who can be a real difference-maker. It could be just what is needed to revive his career from the recent injury bouts.
He has obvious quality but there is more of a risk element in the Premier League, when accounting for both his output and fitness concerns.