Leeds United were linked with a move for Aston Villa playmaker Emiliano Buendia in January, but a deal failed to materialize. This article analyzes the reasons behind this missed opportunity, considering Buendia's qualities, the factors influencing his decision, and Leeds manager Daniel Farke's transfer strategy.
Emiliano Buendia would have been a perfect January signing for Leeds United - seemingly too perfect. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery had left the door open for the Argentine to leave on loan this month with the playmaker failing to begin any of his 12 matches in the Premier League. His start against Monaco in the Champions League nine days ago was the perfect shop window.
When asked about a potential swoop for Buendia in the days prior to that outing in France, Daniel Farke was hesitant to comment but made clear his admiration for the 28-year-old, with whom he worked at Norwich City. “I never comment about players under contract for other teams,” said the Leeds manager. “I've also read the comments because I'm interested in football and also the Premier League. “I think he just spoke in general and he has not said the door is open for Leeds United, he's said it's open for a loan. “Obviously I've worked with Emi Buendia in former years, he was one of my best players, I really rate him but I don't comment on the situation of a player right now playing for a different side.” Buendia fits Farke’s own January transfer criteria, in that a potential arrival must be of good quality, of great character and affordable. The problem is that every other top team is searching for players with the same category filter, something that the club itself is aware of. While Leverkusen can provide elite European football, United cannot even offer top-tier game time. And besides, top-level attackers are always reluctant to drop down to a second division. Explaining his move to Leverkusen, Buendia said: “The Bundesliga is very appealing to me. Bayer Leverkusen are the defending champions and in my view one of the best and most interesting teams in Europe. “I’ve obviously seen Leverkusen in the Champions League and also their Europa League games last season. It’s a great team that plays attractive football. I’m sure I can help contribute to the club’s success.” Buendia played 121 matches under Farke at Norwich yet that relationship might not have been tempting enough to see the midfielder, who missed the whole of last season with a cruciate ligament injury, move to United anyway. Farke’s transfer policy is sound and, given United’s position in the Championship table, justifiable. The boss has frequently underlined his stance that it is difficult to improve a team that is top of the league. But, in many senses, United don’t need the perfect player - only someone who is striving for perfection. Perhaps the best focus is targeting talents who can push and challenge those already in the starting XI to be better, and be capable of making an impact on the team when called upon. It could be argued that the recent stagnant form of Brenden Aaronson and Joel Piroe is indeed due to a lack of significant competition. However, few would argue they are not worthy of a line-up spot in United’s best team. And Farke is wary of disrupting squad cohesion and won’t just go for anybody. It’s little surprise, then, that the fresh reports linking Newcastle United left-back Matt Targett to Leeds are wide of the mark. In fact, they have bemused club sources. With Junior Firpo struggling to get ahead of Sam Byram as it is, having just come back from injury, such a move has the potential to disrupt the equilibrium. But while some areas of the squad need not be meddled with, others do. However, reality says United's strict transfer criteria might ultimately lead to only one conclusion come deadline day.
LEEDS UNITED EMILIANO BUENDIA TRANSFER DANIEL FARKE CHAMPIONSHIP ASTON VILLA
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