Aston Villa are staring down the barrel of a contract deadline that could see Argentina international Emiliano Buendía leave for free next summer, a risk highlighted by former scout Bryan King. With only one year left on his deal, the 29‑year‑old’s future hangs in the balance as Premier League rivals sniff around Villa Park.
Why is Buendía’s contract a ticking bomb?
The Argentine winger burst onto the scene under Unai Emery last season, netting 11 goals and delivering nine assists – his best numbers since joining from Norwich City in 2021. His contributions helped Villa clinch a Europa League trophy and secure Champions League qualification, yet his contract runs down to June 2027. King argues the club should have locked him up before the World Cup, noting that a January‑last‑year extension would have avoided the current scramble. "Can you imagine that?" he asked, stressing the danger of losing three‑class internationals from Argentina, Belgium and England.
How does this fit into Villa’s recent season?
Villa finished the 2025 campaign in fourth place in the Premier League, amassing 65 points from 19 wins, eight draws and 11 losses, with a recent form of WWDLL. They scored 56 goals while conceding 49, a +7 goal difference, and sit 20 points behind leaders Arsenal. The club’s summer has already seen the exits of Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans, and now Ezri Konsa is attracting Arsenal interest. Losing Buendía would deepen the squad’s attrition at a time when the Villans are building on a historic season.
What has Buendía said about his future?
In May, the winger expressed a desire to stay, saying, "I wanted to play for this club. If the chance never comes, maybe the ways will be different, but I think until the last moment I could play for this club and achieve good things." His words suggest willingness, yet the lack of a concrete offer leaves his future uncertain. Villa’s management must now decide whether to match Arsenal’s lure or risk watching another key player walk out the door.
What are the next steps for Aston Villa?
The club’s immediate task is to negotiate a new contract before the summer window closes, aiming to keep Buendía’s talent for the upcoming Champions League campaign. Should talks stall, Villa could see the player depart on a free transfer, a scenario that would force the club to seek replacements, possibly from the market or academy. Meanwhile, the next fixture sees Villa host Bournemouth at home on 2027‑02‑10, a match that could provide a glimpse of how the squad copes amid transfer speculation.
How will this affect Villa’s title ambitions?
Being 20 points adrift of Arsenal, Villa’s title hopes hinge on maintaining squad depth and quality. Losing a player who contributed 11 goals and nine assists would strain their offensive options, especially as they aim to improve on a fourth‑place finish. The club’s ability to secure Buendía, or find an adequate replacement, will be a key factor in whether they can challenge for higher honors next season.
