Aston Villa open talks with Emi Buendia over new contract to reward Argentine's superb form

Emi Buendia is in talks with Aston Villa over a new contract following his outstanding form in 2026.

The Argentine’s current deal expires in June 2027, although it is understood Bella have an option to extend it by further 12 months.

Yet Villa will be keen not to allow Buendia not to enter the final 18 months of his contract, given how important he has become to Unai Emery’s team.

Buendia scored one of the goals of the season as Aston Villa beat Freiburg in Istanbul last May to win the Europa League, their first major trophy since 1996.

Emi Buendia celebrates his goal in the 3-2 win at Tottenham last Saturday

Buendia also scored another spectacular goal as Villa won 3-2 at Tottenham before the international break - his third in as many matches at Spurs’ stadium.

The 29-year-old, who turns 30 on Christmas Day, was so far out of the picture at Villa in summer 2025 that he was even proposed to city rivals Birmingham.

But he has slowly worked his way back into favour with Emery and is now of his most trusted attackers.

In November last year, Emery spoke in glowing terms of his player. 'Everything that happened around him, he deserved it because he worked hard to recover his best form as a player,' he said.

'When we decided to keep him here, and he decided to stay here as well, I was confident he could get the numbers he is achieving.'