Emiliano Buendia fires stark message to Leeds United after failed January transfer
Emiliano Buendia has already sent a stark transfer message the way of Leeds United after his failed move.
Buendia, 28, was heavily linked with a switch to Elland Road, but he instead opted to join Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen this month, in plenty of time before Monday night's 11pm deadline.
Daniel Farke spoke extensively about the Whites' rumoured interest in the midfielder - who has enjoyed a superb career at Villa Park and beyond - while the Argentine is well-known to Farke from their days at Norwich together.
READ MORE: Leeds United transfer stance on Adam Armstrong confirmed amid deadline day plan
READ MORE: Leeds United promotion rivals strengthen - in all areas - as transfer deadline closes in
But with the deadline ticking down, Leeds' failed pursuit proves that even a club of their size can mean so little in the grand scheme of things.
"I never comment about players under contract for other teams," said the Leeds manager. "I've also read 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 open for a loan.
"Obviously I've worked with Emi Buendia in former years, and 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."
Having made his debut for Leverkusen over the weekend just gone, Buendia's debut didn't go down as expected despite his new side winning 3-1. The 28-year-old lasted just 26 minutes - after being subbed on following Nathan Tella's injury. He himself was then subbed off following Alejandro Grimaldo's dismissal.
"It was a shame, but I thought at that moment that we needed one more defender on," said Alonso after he was quizzed on why Buendia was sacrificed during his debut.
"He had a good influence on our game. He's a mature player."
Buendia will likely get another chance to prove his talents while in Germany but, after Leeds' smashing win at the weekend, his rumoured move was quickly forgotten.
