Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia Joins Bayer Leverkusen on Loan

BIRMINGHAM, England — Aston Villa‘s attacking midfielder Emiliano Buendia has joined Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen on loan for the remainder of the season, the German club announced Wednesday.

The 28-year-old Argentina international, who has made 12 Premier League appearances off the bench for Villa this season, will bolster Leverkusen’s midfield as they aim to secure direct qualification to the Champions League last 16. Buendia missed nearly a year of action after undergoing surgery in August 2023.

“The Bundesliga is very appealing to me. Bayer Leverkusen are the defending champions and in my view one of the best and most interesting teams in Europe… it’s a great team that plays attractive football,” Buendia said in a statement.

Buendia, who previously played for Getafe and won the English second-tier Championship twice with Norwich City, brings experience and creativity to Leverkusen’s squad. The German club currently sits eighth in the Champions League standings and will host Sparta Prague later Wednesday in a crucial match.

Leverkusen’s acquisition of Buendia comes as they seek to strengthen their roster for both domestic and European competitions. The loan deal provides Buendia with an opportunity to regain form and contribute to a team competing at the highest level.