Football Insider questions Villa's plan to extend Emiliano Buendía's contract

Football Insider claims Aston Villa have begun discussions with Emiliano Buendía's representatives over a new contract, although the outlet simultaneously argues that doing so would be a mistake based on his early-season numbers. The 29-year-old's existing agreement runs until June 2027, with the club holding an option to extend it by a further year.

According to the report, Unai Emery and the club's hierarchy want to reward the Argentine after his long-range goal during Saturday's 3-2 Premier League victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. That strike remains his only league goal contribution of the campaign so far.

Football Insider points to several statistical measures to support its view that Buendía's form has slipped. The publication states he averages 0.45 shots on target per 90 minutes, placing him in the 33rd percentile among Premier League attacking midfielders, while his expected assists figure of 0.05 per 90 sits in the bottom 22 per cent.

The outlet also highlights his sprint frequency, claiming he records 8.47 sprints per 90 minutes, a figure said to rank in the bottom 11 per cent for his positional peers. Passing accuracy is listed at 75.7 per cent, with 4.46 line-breaking passes and 0.89 successful dribbles per game.

Where Buendía does compare favourably, Football Insider notes, is in duels won and defensive contributions, areas in which he ranks more highly against other attacking midfielders in the division.

The report frames these numbers as a decline from last season, when Buendía registered 11 goals and nine assists across 54 appearances following his return from a loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen. He also scored in the Europa League final victory over Freiburg.

Aston Villa have not commented on the speculation regarding contract negotiations. With the summer transfer window now closed until January 2027, any fresh agreement would simply secure his future at Villa Park rather than affect immediate squad planning.