Overview
- Aston Villa opened talks on Thursday to extend Emiliano Buendia’s deal, which currently runs until June 2027 and includes a club option to add a further 12 months.
- Club sources and reporting say the move is driven by standard contract management: Villa want to avoid the player drifting into the final 18 months of his deal and to deter potential suitors.
- Buendia rebuilt his standing in 2026, scoring in the Europa League final in Istanbul and earning UEFA’s Player of the Match, and he has continued with early-season goals in Europe and the Premier League.
- A recent data-focused report highlights weaker per-90 attacking metrics this season, citing figures such as 0.45 shots on target per 90 (33rd percentile), 0.05 expected assists per 90 (22nd percentile), and low chance-creation rankings among Premier League attacking midfielders.
- Supporters of a new contract point to Unai Emery’s tactical fit for Buendia, his pressing and movement, and his mentoring role for younger players, while the club’s next steps will shape wages, squad continuity, and any transfer leverage Villa retain.