Aston Villa Changes Course on 29-Year-Old’s Future: The Case for Prioritizing His Contract Extension

Aston Villa is currently strong in fourth place in the Premier League as the 2025/26 season approaches its conclusion. Under Unai Emery, the team has emerged as a formidable contender to the traditional big six, highlighted by their recent 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest and a convincing 3-1 victory over Bologna in the Europa League quarter-finals.

Fans are sensing a growing momentum, especially with the team playing a high-pressing, technical style that positions them for Champions League qualification. The upcoming second leg against Bologna promises to be another crucial European challenge, with a vibrant atmosphere expected at Villa Park due to the club's current form.

Emiliano Buendia prepares for new contract talks

Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider reports that Aston Villa plans to initiate contract discussions with Argentine playmaker Emiliano Buendia once the season concludes. The 29-year-old's fortunes have drastically improved following a loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen last season. Previously thought to be surplus to requirements, Unai Emery now considers Buendia a crucial element for the 2026/27 campaign.

Buendia has rewarded this newfound trust with 5 goals and 2 assists across 30 league matches to date. His underlying statistics are equally impressive; his Non-Penalty Expected Goals (npxG) per 90 minutes stand at 0.34, placing him in the top 89th percentile of Premier League players. This underscores his consistent goal threat from midfield, alongside 1.52 key passes per game affirming his creative capabilities. (stats via Footy Stats)

Villa aims to address his future as he enters the final year of his contract this summer, with the board mindful of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Retaining a proven player like Buendia will aid in maintaining stability while adhering to financial regulations.

Why must Aston Villa prioritise the Argentine’s extension?

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 15: Emi Buendia of Aston Villa looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on March 15, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

Securing Buendia's services on a new contract represents a wise decision for a club balancing high aspirations and strict financial constraints. His versatility across the attack provides Unai Emery with tactical flexibility that few others in the squad possess. Losing a player of Buendia's caliber at a low fee, or even for free next year, would create a significant void in the lineup that would be costly to fill.

By finalizing a new agreement, the club preserves the value of a player in his prime who is already well-versed in the manager’s system. Buendia’s resurgence illustrates that nurturing talent from within can often yield better results than investing heavily in new acquisition. Keeping him at Villa Park will ensure the squad possesses the quality necessary to compete in both the Premier League and Europe next season.