Leeds United are back in the market for a no.10 after Daniel Farke publicly made it clear that he wanted competition for Brenden Aaronson, during the January transfer window.
Leeds failed to sign anyone in January. But with the Championship title now in the bag, Leeds will spend big this summer in an attempt to bridge the gap between the Premier League and England’s second tier.
The spine of this Leeds side is likely to be improved. A new goalkeeper, a partner for Joe Rodon, midfield depth, a better version of Brenden Aaronson in the 10 role and a proven striker will be targeted by Leeds.
Aaronson impressed in the first half of the season, but his form and numbers dried up after the turn of the year. He ended the season with nine goals and two assists, despite starting 44 of 46 league games.
Photo by Inaki Esnaola/Getty ImagesAston Villa stance on Emi Buendia exit as Leeds eye move again
Argentina international Emi Buendia is back at Aston Villa after an indifferent loan with Bayer Leverkusen during the second half of 2024-25. He returns to find he has fallen down the Villa pecking order, further.
Leeds wanted Buendia in January, but Buendia did not want to drop into the Championship. Farke even broke his own rule of talking about rival players and praised Buendia, saying he “really rates” the no.10.
Hardly surprising, given Buendia made his career under Farke at Norwich. Now, Leeds are back in the mix to sign Buendia and The Sun say Aston Villa are desperate to get rid of Buendia on loan this summer.
The report says Leeds are keen on Villa’s £40m signing as Farke eyes a reunion again. However, the report also makes it clear that Leeds have other priorities and Buendia is not as important a signing as others.
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Why Emi Buendia would drastically improve this Leeds side
There are a number of factors but nothing shows just how much better Leeds would be if they signed the Villa ace, by comparing his numbers with Aaronson – both in the Premier League and the Championship.
Not only does Buendia have three times as much experience than Aaronson in the Premier League, he also averages a goal or an assist in less than half the time Aaronson did during his dismal 22-23 season.
Buendia’s stats are night and day compared to Aaronson in the Championship. A remarkable 51 goals and assists in 77 games. The Argentine needs a move, and having Farke as manager again suits all.