Aston Villa and Argentina attacking midfielder Emiliano Buendía has joined Bayer Leverkusen on a short-term loan deal until the end of the 2024/25 season.

Buendía, 28, makes the switch to the defending Bundesliga champions as a direct replacement for Martin Terrier, who was recently ruled out for the rest of the campaign with a torn Achilles.

"Buendía is a good, technical footballer, who is full of passion and commitment," said Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes. "He's proven himself in the rigours of the Premier League with over 100 appearances and brings of wealth of experience to help us achieve our goals."

Buendía has made 20 senior appearances so far in 2024/25, including four in the UEFA Champions League. He has been at Villa since a summer 2021 transfer from Norwich City, whom he helped gain promotion to the English Premier League twice, even winning English Championship Player of the Season honours in 2020/21. The ex-Real Madrid youngster, who won his only Argentina cap to date in February 2022, has also played top-flight football in Spain for Getafe.

"The Bundesliga really appeals to me and Leverkusen are the defending champions and, for me, one of the best and most interesting teams in Europe right now," explained Buendía. "I've watched them in the Champions League this season and last season in the Europa League. They play attractive football. I'm sure I can contribute to the club's success."

Buendía could make his Bundesliga debut when the 2024/25 domestic double-winners play host to Hoffenheim on 2 February. Xabi Alonso's team are currently in second place, six points behind leaders Bayern Munich.

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