3 reasons why Leeds United must push to seal Aston Villa, Emi Buendia transfer this month | OneFootball

FLW outline three reasons why Leeds United must push the boat out for Emi Buendia this month.

Emi Buendia is a player on the lips of many Leeds United fans currently, given his lack of action for Aston Villa and with Daniel Farke lacking creative players.

Leeds cannot be left behind in the market, with each of Sunderland, Burnley, and Sheffield United strengthening already. The Whites are among those vying for automatic promotion, with Farke's team in the mix for the second consecutive season in the Championship.

Recent months have seen game time limited for the Argentine, who has earned just 71 minutes of Premier League action across 11 appearances. With 18 months left on his Villa contract, Emery's side may be willing to cash in, given that a potential fee would likely drop if he entered the final year of his deal.

While a loan with an option to buy if Leeds win promotion would make a lot of sense as well. Despite Brenden Aaronson coming back into the side this season and earning himself a place in Farke’s first-team plans, Leeds have very few other options in the No.10 role.

The club are still reportedly planning to add competition for game time for the US international in the form of a new signing, while Leeds CEO Angus Kinnear revealed in September that Buendia was one player on their list of potential targets for the summer transfer window, but a deal failed to materialise.

With the latest on his future at Villa being that he is free to leave, here we look at THREE reasons why Leeds must go all out to sign him this month.

A simple adaptation period for Buendia and Daniel Farke

Outside of the obvious issues in goal, the area of greatest weakness for Leeds remains the lack of genuine creative threats in the forward line. Another creative player, like Buendia, has the potential to have a huge impact on this Leeds side. He is also someone who could adapt quickly as a player Farke knows that he can trust, having worked so well together previously.

Buendia has proven previously to be a game-changer with the X-factor needed to be a big differential in the final third in the Championship. His influence at Norwich during their Championship title win was exceptional and cannot be overstated when he was one of the division's standout creative players, but opportunities are harder to come by in the top-flight.

A player of his type is crucial to have, especially for teams looking to break down deep-lying defences in a low-block or that compact the middle of the pitch. That could be the difference, with those types of opposition being Leeds' most consistent Achilles' heel for two seasons under Farke, and Buendia is a player that he knows he can trust to have the quality at this level.

They have very few forwards like him in their ranks as well, while the last time he played at this level, 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 and his impact could be the differential Leeds need.

He could easily hit the ground running and understand his role for Farke instantly, meaning that he can be a more successful loan signing than many that struggle mid-season without the benefits of pre-season to integrate slowly.

2 A statement to the rest of the Championship

Every team is looking for difference-makers and statement signings. Leeds signing Buendia would send a clear statement to the rest of the Championship and be potentially the signing of the window. Buendia has already proven himself to be one of the division’s standout players during his time at Norwich, where his creativity, vision, and sheer quality helped propel them to promotion.

If Leeds could secure his services, it would showcase their ambition and finally have them flexing their muscles and financial might as one of the biggest clubs outside the Premier League. Leeds are a massive name in English football, and they should be looking to demonstrate their pulling power, especially after Sunderland’s impressive capture of Enzo Le Fée on loan.

With clubs like Sunderland making bold moves at the top of the league, Leeds must respond with similar intent to stay at the forefront of the promotion race. Buendia would instantly become one of the best, if not the best, players in the league, and such a high-profile loan from Aston Villa would underline Leeds’ ambition and further boost their chances of a return to the top-flight.

While he is undoubtedly still recovering from a serious knee injury he sustained in 2023/24, he is worth a risk on a temporary deal. He can be a match-winner through moments of brilliance and consistent quality if he can get back to full fitness, which is why the risk-to-reward ratio highlights him as a player worth taking a chance on this month.

There is bound to be other interest in his services from major leagues, but Farke and co. should be doing all they can to tempt him to drop down to a level that he is more than comfortable at operating at. Working with a manager he knows well and getting back to his very best once again. Leeds must show their ambition and pulling power by persuading Buendia to Elland Road.

Not only would it be beneficial to Leeds, but it is also an easy sell for Buendia when there is an obvious gap in the line-up. From his and Villa's perspective, loaning out a player who has fallen out of favour at their parent club can be a highly beneficial move, both for the player and the club.

When players struggle to get regular minutes, their value and reputation can suffer. A loan spell, especially with a club where they will play consistently, even if it is at a lower level than their actual ability, gives them a chance to showcase their talents once again, putting them back in the spotlight.

This can be crucial for their career, as it allows them to regain match fitness, sharpen their skills, and remind everyone of exactly what they can offer. Even experienced players can benefit from a loan move to a lower level, as it is not exclusive to younger and developing players.

A change of environment and regular playing time can reinvigorate their form, raising their stock in the process. For the parent club, this can mean the player returns in better shape or attracts interest from other teams, potentially leading to a permanent transfer, which could be financially rewarding. It’s an opportunity that players, regardless of age, should embrace.

A reunion with Farke that gets more out of him then makes him far easier to sell, and Leeds may even pursue a permanent deal of their own in that instance. Buendia, if fully fit again, should be a footballer that is capable of making the step up to Premier League football.