Aston Villa ace endures nightmare start after January transfer as manager admits ‘shame’
Emi Buendia endured a frustrating debut for Bayer Leverkusen following his transfer from Aston Villa.
The Argentine forward has joined the Bundesliga champions on loan from Villa until the end of the season. There’s a clause in the deal allowing Leverkusen to sign him permanently for around £17m in the summer.
Buendia made his debut against Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, but it only lasted 26 minutes. Having been named on the subs’ bench, he replaced Nathan Tella after 42 minutes, but Buendia himself was then replaced by Mario Hermoso on 68 minutes as Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso threw on the defender after Alex Grimaldo was sent off.
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Alonso was quizzed on his decision after the final whistle and he said: "It was a shame, but I thought at that moment that we needed one more defender on. He had a good influence on our game. He's a mature player."
Buendia will hope to be given another chance when Leverkusen face Cologne in the German Cup on Wednesday.
"The Bundesliga is very appealing to me," he said when he joined the club during the January transfer window. "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’s performances in the Champions League in recent months 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.”
