Aston Villa have opened talks with Emi Buendia over a new contract following the Argentine’s outstanding run of form in 2026.
Buendia’s current deal is due to expire in June 2027, although Aston Villa reportedly hold an option to extend the agreement by a further 12 months. Nevertheless, the club are keen to avoid allowing the midfielder to enter the final 18 months of his contract without securing his future.
The 29-year-old has transformed his position within Unai Emery’s squad after previously finding himself well outside the manager’s plans.
Buendia has become a key attacking figure
Buendia’s recent performances have strengthened his case for a new deal.
The Argentine scored a spectacular goal in Aston Villa’s Europa League triumph over Freiburg in Istanbul last May, helping the club secure their first major trophy since 1996.
His excellent form has continued into the new campaign.
Buendia scored again in Villa’s 3–2 victory over Tottenham before the international break, producing another outstanding finish. It was his third goal in as many matches at Tottenham’s stadium.
His resurgence is particularly notable given how far he had fallen out of favour.
During the summer of 2025, Buendia was reportedly so far from Emery’s plans that he was even proposed to city rivals Birmingham City.
Instead, the midfielder remained at Villa and gradually rebuilt his place within the squad.
Emery backed Emi Buendia to rediscover his best form
Emery had already spoken positively about Buendia’s development last November, highlighting the work the player had put in to return to his best level.
The Villa manager praised his determination after the club decided to keep him at the club.
“Everything that happened around him, he deserved it because he worked hard to recover his best form as a player.”
Emery also explained that he believed Emi Buendia could produce the numbers he is now achieving.
“When we decided to keep him here, and he decided to stay here as well, I was confident he could get the numbers he is achieving.”
Those comments have taken on greater significance given Buendia’s performances since then.
Aston Villa looking to protect Buendia’s future
Emi Buendia will turn 30 on Christmas Day, but his recent performances have made him an increasingly trusted attacking option for Emery.
With his current contract approaching its final 18 months, Villa’s decision to open negotiations reflects his renewed importance to the manager’s plans.
The club already have an option to extend his current agreement, but discussions over a fresh contract could provide greater clarity over Buendia’s long-term future at Villa Park.
After overcoming a difficult period in his Aston Villa career, the Argentine is now firmly back in the picture — and his performances have given the club another reason to secure his services beyond the current deal.
The Aston Villa News BR verdict
Emi Buendia resurgence has been one of the more notable developments of Aston Villa’s recent period.
His ability to contribute goals and provide creativity has made him an important attacking option for Emery, while his recent performances suggest that the player has regained the confidence and influence he had previously shown.
The contract situation will now be one to watch, particularly with his current deal approaching its final 18 months. If negotiations progress, a new agreement would reflect how significantly Buendia’s role has changed since the summer of 2025.
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