Emiliano Buendia glances at the floor during a game for Aston Villa, as manager Unai Emery smiles and applauds in a circular inset.
(Credit: Imago, Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Mon 13 April 2026 20:00, UK
Aston Villa are set to sit down and discuss a new contract with midfielder Emiliano Buendia at the end of the season, sources have told Football Insider.
The Argentine has enjoyed a resurgence under Unai Emery this term, and the boss has made it clear that he still sees the 29-year-old as a key part of his plans for 2026-27 after previously being willing for him to leave.
All parties are happy to extend Buendia’s stay at Villa Park, with sources indicating that the former Norwich man has been totally content with his role within the squad this season.
He is about to enter the final year of his contract deal ahead of next season, but Emery is set to get his way with fresh terms expected to be put on the table.
Aston Villa are keen to strenthen their squad again this summer, but Buendia is still being viewed as a key piece of the puzzle in the second city.
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PSR issue increases need for Emiliano Buendia extension
Villa have found it difficult to strengthen their squad in recent years as they have been toeing the line when it comes to their compliance with the Premier League’s PSR restrictions.
The Villans are familiar with having to work very carefully against those regulations in recent years, and they are expected to face a similar situation once again this time around.
Stats Buendia Total
Apps (Starts) 30 (18)
G/A 7
xG + xA 4.91
Chances Created 25
Successful Dribbles 8
Shots on Target 9
Buendia’s 2025-26 Premier League stats, as per Fotmob.
As a result, there is a greater emphasis for Emery to continue to try and get the most out of every player at his disposal next term, given that it may not be easy to bring in few faces.
That has seen Villa firm up their stance even further that Buendia will not leave the club this summer, while they are also keen to ensure they protect themselves against the possibility of losing him for free.
The attacking midfielder has been revitalised this term after a loan stint with Bayer Leverkusen in the second half of last season, and he has effectively come full circle from exit fears he was facing last summer.
He has worked hard to rebuild Emery’s faith in him, to the point where he is on course to surpass the 45-appearances mark by the end of the campaign.
Aston Villa eye sales of ‘five or six’ squad players to raise funds
Former Villa chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider last week that Villa will resist a sale of Morgan Rogers again this summer, despite the huge boost that it would give them in terms of PSR.
The Scottish businessman suggested that the 23-year-old is a player who is capable of taking the club to the next level, and also added that the board are keen to ensure that they do not lose him at all costs.
Instead, Wyness expects that there are “five or six” players on the fringes of Emery’s group who will be sold in order to raise funds for new additions, with little impact expected on the rest of the squad.
Champions League qualification will provide a welcome bonus for the Villans’ coffers, but they will know that summer additions will be needed if they are to compete in the competition.
They appear set to try and get creative with their outgoings this summer, and as a result, there could potentially be a mini exodus on the cards at Villa Park.
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