OFFICIAL: Aston Villa Reward Unai Emery’s Trusted Favourite with a New Long-Term Contract Extension That Will Run Until…

OFFICIAL: Aston Villa Reward Unai Emery’s Trusted Favourite with a New Long-Term Contract Extension That Will Run Until End of 2028/29 Season

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND — Aston Villa have officially confirmed that Argentine attacking midfielder Emiliano Buendía has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract extension. The deal keeps the 29-year-old playmaker at Villa Park through the end of the 2028/29 season, cementing his position as a core piece of Unai Emery’s project.

The announcement comes as a well-deserved reward for Buendía, whose remarkable career turnaround at Villa Park has made him one of the most trusted players under Emery’s tutelage.

From ACL Setback to Emery’s Crucial Playmaker

Buendía’s journey in the Midlands has been a masterclass in resilience and professionalism. After joining Villa in the summer of 2021 as a marquee signing, the Argentine creative midfielder faced a devastating blow on the eve of the 2023/24 season when he suffered a severe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The setback sidelined him for the entire campaign.

Following a brief, successful loan stint with German giants Bayer Leverkusen in early 2025 to regain match fitness, Buendía returned to Villa Park determined to prove his worth. Rather than seeking an exit, he worked tirelessly to earn the faith of Unai Emery.

His resurgence was nothing short of spectacular. Buendía quickly re-established himself as a vital cog in Emery’s tactical machine, offering relentless pressing, high-volume key passes, and versatile positioning across the attacking line. His sensational striking ability—highlighted by a Premier League Goal of the Month strike against Tottenham Hotspur—showcased a player operating at the peak of his powers.

European Glory and the Road Ahead

The peak of Buendía’s resurgence arrived on the European stage. The Argentine delivered a legendary performance in the UEFA Europa League final in Istanbul, scoring a breathtaking top-corner goal and providing an assist in Villa’s 3–0 victory over SC Freiburg to capture European silverware and seal Man of the Match honors.

Emery has repeatedly lauded Buendía’s work ethic and tactical intelligence, making a contract extension a top priority for Villa’s hierarchy ahead of competing on multiple fronts.

> “I’ve had some very low moments with injuries, but I kept believing in myself all the time,” Buendía reflected after his European triumph. “I always trusted my work ethic and knew I could be important for this club.”

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With the extension signed, Villa fans can look forward to seeing the Argentine maestro pulling the strings at Villa Park for years to come as the club continues its rise in English and European football.