Aston Villa The Europa League triumph has thrust Emiliano Buendia back into the spotlight at exactly the right time for the club – and also at an awkward moment regarding his future.
The Argentine midfielder was one of Villa’s standout performers during the latter stages of the competition. However, the uncertainty surrounding his long-term condition has not gone away.
Recent reports link them to a Possible move to Turkish side GalatasarayWhile his current contract at Villa Park now has just over a year left.
This means Buendia will be able to negotiate a free transfer with foreign clubs from January, unless Aston Villa extend his deal or sell him this summer.
Against that backdrop, the 29-year-old has now opened the door to another future possibility – one that probably won’t please everyone in Argentina… or in Birmingham.
The dream of returning home exposed
As relayed by Argentine outlet TN SportsBuendia admitted that his dream was to one day play for River Plate. He also made it clear that he would reject a move to rivals Boca Juniors, even if club legend Juan Román Riquelme, now their director of football, personally called him.
“River is Argentina’s only club,” Buendia said. “If Roman calls me? No, not there.”
Then he added: “Playing for River has been my dream since childhood.”
This is a very bold stance considering Boca remains one of the most prestigious clubs in world football. It also reinforces how strongly Buendia still identifies with the River, despite spending almost his entire professional career abroad.
The midfielder left Argentina as a teenager to join Getafe and later starred for Norwich City and eventually Aston Villa.
Europa League victory changed the picture
Emiliano Buendia’s future looked much less certain at the start of this season. Things were already complicated after recovering from a serious ACL injury a few years ago, while Villa’s squad depth was boosted again after a more aggressive recruitment effort.
Still, he ended the campaign on a high note. His performances in Europe ultimately helped Villa win silverware under Unai Emery, and it may yet influence the club’s thinking ahead of the summer window.
Villa also face a delicate contract situation. Buendia’s deal expires in June 2027, making his gains weaker with each passing month.
It explains why clubs abroad are already keeping a close eye, and attention is likely to increase if it becomes clear Villa are willing to negotiate.
The river’s dream has now come out in the open
Buendia also revealed that despite the time difference from England he still tries to follow River whenever possible.
“I don’t watch much Argentine football, mainly River,” he explained. “The schedules are tough but I try to keep up.”
He also shared memories of the 2018 Copa Libertadores final in Madrid. Buendia said he stayed in the same hotel with the River squad before the match and later met club icon Enzo Francescoli in the lift. At that time, according to Buendia, asking for photos became inevitable.
It is unclear whether Aston Villa will keep him forward this summer. However, Buendia has now made one thing absolutely clear – if he ever returns to Argentina, there is only one destination he really wants.
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