Aston Villa midfielder Emiliano Buendia is reportedly close to finalizing a new contract with the club following promising progress in negotiations. The Argentine’s current deal is set to expire at the end of this season, with the new contract expected to extend through to the conclusion of the 2028-29 campaign.

Buendia, who turns 30 on Christmas Day, played a key role in Aston Villa’s recent successes, including scoring a standout goal during their victory over Freiburg in Istanbul last May that secured the club’s first major trophy since 1996—the UEFA Europa League. He also delivered a notable performance with a spectacular goal in Villa’s 3-2 win against Tottenham Hotspur before the recent international break.

Despite being out of the starting lineup and even considered surplus to requirements in the summer of 2025—leading to him being offered to local rivals Birmingham City in the Championship—Buendia has gradually regained his form and standing within the team. Under manager Unai Emery, he has become one of the more trusted attacking players. Emery praised Buendia’s resilience and work ethic last November, highlighting the midfielder’s determination to return to his best form and contributing significantly to the squad.

Villa currently are competing in the Champions League group stage and, after a 1-0 victory at Newcastle where Buendia started, the midfielder may be rested for their upcoming fixture against Viking as the team aims to maintain an unbeaten record in the competition.

The club had the option to extend Buendia’s contract by one year but sought to negotiate a longer-term agreement reflecting the player’s importance to Emery’s plans moving forward. Both the club and player appear optimistic that a new deal will be completed, securing Buendia’s presence at Villa for several more seasons.