Leeds United will have more scope to acquire long-term targets this summer, with Premier League finances opening up far more possibilities.
The Championship restricted them from completing certain deals, but players want to move to the Premier League and Leeds United can provide opportunities to those players now.
Daniel Farke, the 49ers, and co. will be working hard behind the scenes to ensure they have a squad which is capable of competing in the top flight of English football this summer.
One of the players the Whites and Farke have a long-term interest in is Emi Buendia. He has been plying his trade in the Bundesliga recently with Bayer Leverkusen.
Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty ImagesEmi Buendia and Daniel Farke could reunite at Leeds United
Buendia rejected Leeds last summer, according to Angus Kinnear. They then took another look at him during the January transfer window as well.
Following his move to Bayer Leverkusen, it was then reported in February that Leeds may revive a summer move for Buendia.
The Aston Villa playmaker has had his say on his future since then amid links to River Plate in his native Argentina, but now could be Leeds’ chance to swoop in on Buendia.
He could present an affordable opportunity, with Buendia potentially costing Leeds around £16.7 million. The latest suggests a deal could be there to be struck this summer and Farke is eyeing a reunion for the former Norwich City ace.
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Emiliano Buendía could be on his way to Leeds United! The newly-promoted side are preparing a £16.8m bid for the Aston Villa playmaker 🇦🇷
Unai Emery has given his blessing, and Buendía is ready for a fresh start. Daniel Farke hopes to reunite with him at Elland Road.#LUFC…
— Sébastien Vidal (@SebEcrivainFoot) May 30, 2025
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“Unai Emery has given his blessing, and Buendía is ready for a fresh start. Daniel Farke hopes to reunite with him at Elland Road.”
Photo by Danehouse Photography Ltd/Getty ImagesAre Emi Buendia’s injuries too much of a risk for Leeds?
A move to bring Buendia to Leeds has felt inevitable for some time now, but Leeds must be wary of his lack of action over the past three seasons.
His quality is obvious and undeniable, but there have been some serious injury and fitness concerns. In that sense, it could be a risk to bring the 28-year-old in.
TeamAppearancesGoalsAssistsGetafe4031Cultural Leonesa42712Norwich City1212441Aston Villa97109Bayer Leverkusen1420Argentina100Emi Buendia’s career stats
Leeds have to take calculated risks, though. Buendia may be the differential they need in attack, given his obvious flair and vision as a playmaker. That could be on the right-hand side or as an attacking midfielder.
However, 33 games in three seasons is a serious worry. That lack of availability is perhaps too big of a red flag to overlook.