Emiliano Buendia, an Aston Villa midfielder, is reportedly set to join Leeds United during the January transfer window.
Buendia has made a welcome comeback to fitness after missing the entire 2023-24 season due to a significant knee injury.
However, with Villa now leading the Premier League and Champions League tables, the Argentine has had little opportunities.
Aside from two starts in the EFL Cup, the 28-year-old has only played 64 minutes in 11 substitute appearances in the other two competitions.
According to Football Insider, the playmaker might move to Elland Road at the turn of the year.
Will Leeds pursue a deal?
According to the article, Leeds has long been interested in Buendia, but were unable to persuade him to switch during the summer.
Mick Brown, a former scout and regular contributor to the magazine, argues that despite his little playing experience, the player retains appreciation.
Brown stated: “He has a nice reputation at Aston Villa, but he hasn’t really thrived there. I doubt Unai Emery wants him on his team, therefore he’d be willing to let him go.
“One thing Buendia gives you is the ability to play wide or in the middle, which adds complexity to your team and provides a new option.
“So I understand the interest is there, but I think they also have reservations about him.”
Do Leeds require Buendia?
Leeds do not necessarily need another creative player in their team, having scored 41 goals in 22 Championship matches.
Although Joel Piroe is their leading scorer with seven goals, Daniel Farke has players that contribute from all over the pitch.
Brenden Aaronson, Daniel James, Wilfried Gnonto, Largie Ramazani, and Manor Solomon would all rank higher of Buendia in the pecking order.
That may conceivably lead to the player weighing his choices before making a decision, knowing that he cannot afford another stretch of not receiving regular minutes.
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