Aston Villa confirmed on Monday that they’d reached an agreement with Norwich City over the transfer of Emiliano Buendia and Stan Collymore revealed his delight on social media.
Buendia is yet to undergo a medical as he’s in a bubble with the Argentina national team, so he’ll complete the move after their meeting with Colombia on Tuesday evening.
The 24-year-old is highly rated and is coming off the back of a prolific campaign at Norwich City, so Villa are bolstering their attack with some real quality. Buendia scored 15 goals and made 17 assists in 39 Championship games last season as the Canaries were promoted, so it’s not a surprise Collymore believes it’s a coup.
He said on Twitter: “Delighted we’ve got Buendia. Barkley showed last season (albeit 3 games) that another creative influence takes pressure off Jack and gives a more consistent and balanced attacking threat. Buendia undoubtedly gives that.”
The Argentine joined Norwich from Getafe in 2018 and has gone on to make 121 appearances in all competitions, scoring 24 goals with 42 assists. Buendia’s had a season in the Premier League before too, so he has top-flight experience to bring to Villa Park.
Dean Smith opted for Jack Grealish and Bertrand Traore on opposing flanks while Ross Barkley played as a central attacking-midfielder last season, but Buendia’s arrival could see him taking Traore’s position and a Barkley replacement brought in.
In other news, Aston Villa sold Tony Daley to Wolves on this day in 1994
