Emi Buendia closing in on new Aston Villa contract as club prepares triple boost

Aston Villa are finalising a new contract for Emi Buendia, with Victor Lindelof and George Hemmings also set for improved terms. Negotiations with the Argentine are at an advanced stage, according to The Athletic, with his current deal due to expire next summer.

  • Player: Emi Buendia (Emiliano Buendia), 29, attacking midfielder
  • Contract status: Current deal expires next summer; new terms in final stages
  • Also set for new deals: Victor Lindelof (progressing) and George Hemmings (improved terms possible)
  • Ongoing talks: Ian Maatsen
  • Decisions pending: Tyrone Mings, Ross Barkley, Marco Bizot
  • Source: Jacob Tanswell of The Athletic

Deal details

Buendia's new contract is reportedly in its final stages, with his current agreement set to expire at the end of the season. The length and financial terms of the proposed deal have not been disclosed. The Argentine joined Villa from Norwich City in 2021 and has since made 54 appearances last season, scoring spectacular long-range goals, including one in the Europa League final victory over Freiburg in May.

Victor Lindelof is also progressing towards a new agreement, while 19-year-old George Hemmings could receive improved terms despite signing a five-year contract in 2025. Hemmings has already started Villa's opening five matches this season, including August's Super Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain. Meanwhile, negotiations with Ian Maatsen continue, and decisions remain necessary regarding Tyrone Mings, Ross Barkley and Marco Bizot.

Injury and availability

No current injury issues are reported in the source. Buendia's past anterior cruciate ligament injury, suffered immediately before the 2023-24 campaign, is referenced as context for his revival.

Why Emery is rewarding Buendia's revival

Emi Buendia has rebuilt his Aston Villa career after a difficult spell. Signed from Norwich City in 2021 following Jack Grealish's departure, he struggled to establish himself as indispensable. A devastating ACL injury before the 2023-24 season wiped out an entire campaign. Recovery brought complications, and he joined Bayer Leverkusen on loan in the second half of 2024-25, but the German club declined to make the move permanent.

Returning to Birmingham determined to impress, Buendia made 54 appearances last season, scoring spectacular long-range goals, including Villa's second in the Europa League final win over Freiburg. His relentless pressing and ability to operate as a No 10 or drift inside from the left give Unai Emery valuable tactical flexibility. With younger talents Johan Manzambi and Ibrahim Mbaye emerging, retaining an experienced creative player who understands Emery's demands is a sensible decision.

Emery's broader squad planning is evident in the moves for Lindelof and Hemmings. The 19-year-old Hemmings has already started five matches this season, including the Super Cup final against PSG, and his improved terms reflect his rapid rise. Lindelof's new deal would secure another experienced option. The ongoing talks with Maatsen and pending decisions on Mings, Barkley and Bizot show Emery is carefully managing his squad balance.

Talking points

  • Is Buendia's new contract a reward for past resilience or a risk given his age and injury history? At 29, his best years may be behind him, but his versatility is invaluable.
  • Should Villa prioritise tying down Ian Maatsen, whose negotiations continue, over offering new terms to squad players like Lindelof and Hemmings?
  • What message does Hemmings' improved terms send to other academy prospects? The 19-year-old has started five games this season and could become a key figure.
  • With decisions pending on Mings, Barkley and Bizot, is Emery ruthless enough to move on experienced players who no longer fit his plans?

What happens next

Buendia's new contract is expected to be finalised in the coming weeks. Villa's next fixture will see whether Hemmings retains his starting place. The club must also resolve Maatsen's future and decide on Mings, Barkley and Bizot before the transfer window reopens. Securing Buendia, Lindelof and Hemmings would be a significant statement of intent as Villa aim to build on last season's Europa League triumph and compete on multiple fronts.

Frequently asked questions

Is Emi Buendia signing a new contract at Aston Villa?

Yes, according to The Athletic, negotiations are in their final stages, with his current deal due to expire next summer.

Which other Aston Villa players are getting new contracts?

Victor Lindelof is progressing towards a new agreement, and 19-year-old George Hemmings could receive improved terms.

Who else is in contract talks at Aston Villa?

Negotiations with Ian Maatsen continue, and decisions are still needed on Tyrone Mings, Ross Barkley and Marco Bizot.

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