Emi Buendia was the last player anyone expected to still be wearing an Aston Villa shirt this season. After a loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen in the second half of last season that saw him make just three Bundesliga starts, it seemed the playmaker's time at Villa Park was all but over.
Signed from Norwich for a club-record fee that could rise to £38 million in 2021, Buendia initially struggled to justify the price tag. He managed just four goals in 38 appearances during his debut campaign, and a serious knee injury forced him to miss the entire 2023-24 season. While his teammates were busy securing a historic Champions League qualification, Buendia was left watching from the shadows.
Villa were ready to move on last summer, looking to balance the books under Profit and Sustainability rules. But in a twist that has delighted fans, the club decided to keep the 29-year-old Argentine—and it has proven to be a masterstroke.
Under Unai Emery, Buendia has been one of the team's most reliable performers this season, netting 10 goals and playing a key role in the club's push for silverware. His resurgence has even been cited as a reason Harvey Elliott's loan move from Liverpool fell through.
After scoring a crucial penalty in a recent high-stakes match, Buendia showed the composure of a player reborn. "I took responsibility," he told TNT Sports. "It was one of the most decisive penalties for the club in recent years, but I didn't feel pressure. I felt calm. I knew exactly what I wanted to do."
Reflecting on the team's journey, he added: "We showed the whole season how good we can play. The result is amazing, and I think we deserve it. The prestige of winning a trophy, with the history this club has—it would be amazing. The fans really want this trophy, and we will try."
Former Villa striker Dion Dublin has been impressed by Buendia's all-around contributions. "He goes below the radar," Dublin told BBC Radio 5 Live. "He plays good passes, the weight of his pass is good. His finishing is good. He's nasty too—he doesn't mind putting a foot in. He's one of those players Villa need in their side to achieve things. He doesn't want the plaudits; he just wants to play and get to finals."
Buendia's story is a reminder that in football, a second chance can lead to a first triumph. For Villa fans, seeing their once-forgotten playmaker now thriving in the heart of the action is the kind of comeback story that makes the beautiful game so compelling.