Leeds United should not rule out cheeky Aston Villa, Emi Buendia move | OneFootball

Leeds United could target a January move for Emi Buendia from Aston Villa.

Leeds United added their tenth win of the season with a 3-0 victory over a struggling Luton Town side.

That sent Daniel Farke's side to the top of the Championship table, with them leading the division from Sheffield United on goal difference.

However, it once again seems this promotion hunt will be a four-pronged race, with Burnley and Sunderland also joining the party.

Unsurprisingly, the pressure this season will be on the Whites having failed to secure an immediate return to the Premier League last year, which could lead to them looking to bolster their squad in January. So far, they have been ravaged by injuries and adding some support in key positions may boost their title hopes.

One area of importance is the attacking third and renewing their summer interest in Emi Buendia would be a smart move. The dynamic midfielder's previous success under Farke is on another level and he would be a guaranteed starter for Leeds given his quality.

Post-summer window, it was revealed by Leeds United CEO Angus Kinnear that their interest in Buendia was concrete but Aston Villa and the player did not want a move to the Championship.

The following months have seen game time limited for the Argentine, who has earned just 28 minutes of Premier League action across five appearances.

This may see a change of heart, and with Leeds flying high at the top of the second tier, Buendia may see it as a more viable option.

Of course, Farke will want players who have a desire to feature at Elland Road, but it shouldn't prove difficult to convince the attacking midfielder, who had the best spell of his career under the German's influence.

While he is undoubtedly still recovering from a serious knee injury he sustained in 2023-24, he is worth a risk on a permanent or temporary deal.

With 18 months left on his Villa contract, Unai 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.

Therefore, Farke should be in persistent dialogue with his recruitment team as Buendia could be that extra injection they need to secure promotion.

Emi Buendia will be looking to rediscover Norwich City form

Buendía’s last spell in the Championship was exceptional, firmly securing his place as one of the Canaries’ greatest deals. Signed for just over £1 million, the 5ft7ins creative spark laid on 28 assists and scored 23 goals in 78 Championship games for Norwich.

While his initial campaign in the second tier was good, it was 2020-21 that took him to another level. Producing 31 goal contributions and building a brilliant partnership with Teemu Pukki, he took home the Championship's Player of the Year award.

A return to the second tier would come with plenty of expectation, given that at Villa he has shown enough to suggest he has outgrown the Championship.

At 27 years old, he should be approaching the peak of his career and if he has overcome the injury he suffered in 23-24, then Leeds have to make him their primary target.