Aston Villa are riding a wave of momentum as the 2025/26 season reaches its climax. Under the astute management of Unai Emery, the Villans have firmly established themselves as a top-four force, challenging the Premier League's traditional hierarchy. This impressive campaign, highlighted by a gritty 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest and a commanding 3-1 Europa League quarter-final win over Bologna, has Villa Park buzzing with belief.

The focus now shifts to a crucial second leg against Bologna, but behind the scenes, the club is preparing for a significant piece of summer business. According to reports, Aston Villa are set to perform a major U-turn and open contract talks with midfielder Emiliano Buendía once the season concludes.

This represents a dramatic change in fortune for the 29-year-old Argentine playmaker. After spending the latter half of last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, Buendía's future at Villa Park seemed uncertain. However, he has fought his way back into Emery's plans, becoming a vital cog in Villa's high-pressing, technical system.

His performances have more than justified the manager's renewed faith. With 5 goals and 2 assists in 30 league appearances, Buendía has been a consistent contributor. The underlying data is even more compelling: his Non-Penalty Expected Goals (npxG) per 90 minutes sits in the top 89th percentile of Premier League players, showcasing his innate goal threat from midfield. Coupled with 1.52 key passes per game, he remains a potent creative force.

Securing Buendía's future is a strategic priority for several reasons. He enters the final year of his contract this summer, and with the club navigating the Premier League's strict Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), retaining a proven, high-value asset is both financially prudent and crucial for squad stability. For a team aiming to cement its place among England's elite, locking down a player of Buendía's quality is not just an option—it's a necessity.