Aston Villa exit confirmed hours before Celtic clash
Villa playmaker Emi Buendia has joined Bayer Leverkusen on loan for the rest of the season.
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The 28-year-old has also signed a new contract at Villa Park, though Leverkusen have a £17million option to make his loan switch permanent in the summer.
Buendia became Villa’s then record signing when he joined from Norwich for £38million in 2021.
But he missed the whole of last season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury on the eve of the campaign.
This year he has started only three matches, the most recent of those earlier this month when Villa were beaten 1-0 at Monaco in the Champions League.
He departs now, just hours before Villa are due to host Celtic in their final group stage match of the competition.
Buendia is the third senior player to leave Villa Park in the January transfer window. Winger Jaden Philogene joined Ipswich for £23m, while defender Diego Carlos was sold to Fenerbahce for £9m.
Villa are in talks to sign Chelsea defender Axel Disasi on loan, while they are also considering a move for playmaker Joao Felix.