Aston Villa Ready To Reward £75K-A-Week Star After Remarkable Revival: Right Choice?

Aston Villa Ready To Reward £75K-A-Week Star After Remarkable Revival: Right Choice? Aston Villa have opened talks with Emi Buendia over a new contract after his strong run of form under Unai Emery. A report from the Daily Mail, by Tom Collomosse , says Villa want to reward the Argentine for his performances during 2026. Buendia, who is 29, currently has a deal until June 2027, while Villa hold an option to extend it by another year. The club now wants to make progress before his contract enters its final 18 months. Recent reporting from the Birmingham Mail has likewise highlighted his growing importance after Villa rebuilt their attack during the summer. His revival has taken quite a turn. Villa considered moving him on during the summer of 2025, yet Buendia chose to stay and fight for his place. He then became a key contributor during Villa’s Europa League-winning campaign, recording 10 goal involvements in 14 matches. In Istanbul, Buendia scored against Freiburg and earned UEFA’s official Player of the Match award after adding an assist. Villa won 3-0 and lifted their first major European trophy since 1982. His form has carried into the new campaign. Buendia scored against Club Brugge in the Champions League before producing another superb strike during Villa’s 3-2 victory at Tottenham on September 19. Should Aston Villa renew Emi Buendia’s contract? LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 19: Emiliano Buendia of Aston Villa during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 19, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) Yes, but Villa should assess the deal around his complete contribution rather than his goals alone. Buendia has started every Premier League match so far, while his early Champions League campaign includes a goal against Club Brugge. His numbers still have limitations. Buendia’s chance creation remains modest, while his ball retention can frustrate supporters when attacks break down. That criticism is important. A player cannot receive a long-term deal purely because he produces spectacular moments. Buendia must keep improving his consistency in possession and create more regularly from open play. Yet his value reaches beyond those figures. His pressing, movement and willingness to follow Emery’s instructions give Villa another tactical option. His work rate stood out against Tottenham, where he covered around 7.5 miles. Then there is experience. Villa have introduced several younger players after their summer overhaul, including Johan Manzambi, Ibrahim Mbaye and George Hemmings. Buendia can help those players settle while continuing to contribute himself. Birmingham Mail reporting has specifically highlighted his influence around Villa’s younger recruits. His 2025/26 output strengthens the argument further. He finished that campaign with 11 goals and nine assists across competitions, while his Europa League contribution included four goals and six assists in 15 appearances. Villa therefore have a clear reason to protect the value of a player who has rediscovered his confidence. His current contract reportedly runs until June 2027, with an extension option, so there remains room for negotiation rather than immediate panic. For Aston Villa, the question now centres on how strongly Buendia can sustain this level. His recent displays have certainly changed the conversation around his future.