The Argentina international has moved from the fringes of the squad to a prominent role in Villa’s attack, prompting progress in negotiations over an extended stay at Villa Park.
According to the Daily Mail, Buendia’s current contract is due to expire at the end of this season, while a proposed new agreement would run until the end of the 2028-29 campaign. Villa previously held an option to extend his existing deal, but the club are understood to want a longer commitment.
The reported development marks a significant turnaround for a player whose future looked uncertain in the summer of 2025. Buendia had fallen out of favour and was reportedly offered to local rivals Birmingham City, but he remained at Villa and gradually worked his way back into Unai Emery’s plans.
His revival has been built on performances at important moments. Buendia scored in Villa’s Europa League final victory over Freiburg in Istanbul in May, helping the club secure their first major trophy since 1996.
He has continued to make an impact this season, including a goal in Villa’s 3-2 win at Tottenham before the international break. The strike was another reminder of the technical quality that made him such an influential player during his earlier career at Norwich City.
Emery praised the midfielder’s determination last November, highlighting the work required to recover his best form after a difficult period.
“Everything that happened around him, he deserved it because he worked hard to recover his best form as a player,” the Villa manager 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.”
Those comments now look particularly significant as Villa seek to secure Buendia’s future. His return to prominence has given Emery another creative option, with the Argentine able to influence games through his close control, movement and ability to produce decisive moments.
Villa have also shown that they are prepared to reward players who recover their place through performance. Buendia’s situation has changed markedly since he was considered surplus to requirements, and the club now appear keen to avoid allowing his contract to run down.
He started Villa’s recent 1-0 league win at Newcastle United, although the demands of a busy schedule could mean rotation for the Champions League meeting with Viking.
The proposed extension has not yet been officially announced, and the reported 2029 end date remains dependent on an agreement being completed. Nevertheless, the progress in negotiations reflects how dramatically Buendia has rebuilt his position at Villa.
For a player who appeared to be heading towards the exit little more than a year ago, a new long-term deal would represent a substantial personal turnaround and a vote of confidence from Emery.