Aston Villa playmaker Emiliano Buendia has reportedly completed his medical ahead of a loan exit to join Bayer Leverkusen.
The 28-year-old has been limited to 19 appearances so far this season, most of which have been brief run-outs off the bench in the latter stages of games.
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While Buendia has worked tirelessly to come back from a serious knee injury, he hasn’t been able to force his way back into the Villa line-up under Unai Emery consistently, and that has led to question marks being raised over his future with us.
The emergence of Morgan Rogers and the signing of Donyell Malen this month have hurt his cause further as he appears to be falling further down the pecking order, and now it appears as though he’s set for a temporary exit for the remainder of the campaign.
According to The Athletic, the Argentine ace has now completed his medical ahead of a loan move to Leverkusen, with the agreement said to include an option to buy for the Bundesliga champions.
It’s noted that Buendia is expected to sign a contract extension before he departs given his current deal expires in 18 months, and so it’s smart business from Villa, that hopefully works out for both the club and player in the long run.
Time will tell if he has ultimately played his last game in a Villa shirt, as a successful loan stint could convince Leverkusen to sign him outright, or perhaps another interested party looks to sign him permanently having been left impressed if he produces on a big stage and at a competitive level.
Although it’s a real shame to see him move closer to leaving, if it isn’t going to work out for Buendia at Villa, for either the club or him, then it’s hoped the best solution materialises for all concerned in both the short-term and long-term future.
His potential exit will set up a fascinating last couple of days in the January transfer window though, as although he has played a limited role so far this season, Emery will surely want to replace him to ensure we aren’t left short in the attacking third for the rest of the season.