Emi Buendia: A ‘come and get me plea’ or a realistic outlook?
Emi Buendia insists his head hasn't been turned despite speculation linking him with a move away. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Just when you thought the noise surrounding Norwich City’s prized assets had quietened down - Emi Buendia comes along with an interview that has split Canaries fans.
Was it a come and get me plea? Or proof that the Argentine is willing to stick around and fight for promotion with City again?
In truth, even amongst those City fans utterly convinced that the attacking midfielder will remain a Canaries player post-transfer window, there will be a realisation that Buendia is of a Premier League standard.
There will be interest. Scouting departments wouldn’t be doing their jobs if his glowing statistics in an underperforming top-flight side weren’t alerted to coaches and heads of recruitment.
In the same way City plucked him out of a relegated second-tier side in Spain, the same could happen to them. It’s the circle of life.
Emi Buendia is available after suspension for Norwich City Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
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Specifying a desire to return to the Premier League makes Buendia human - not a want away. In the same piece, he reiterates his gratitude to the club for the platform they’ve provided him. That’s a nuanced approach to a difficult situation.
As a competitor, Buendia wants to play at the highest level, but he doesn’t seem like a man in a rush.
MORE: Premier League move appeals to BuendiaWith a second child on the way, you could understand if Buendia wanted to get a move back to the top-flight so he could settle down - but there doesn’t seem to be any pushing for a move away.
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He’ll know the situation - the football club hold a strong hand and will have a valuation in mind for his services, as much as he might want a top-flight reunion, he needs a buyer to come forward and put their money where their mouth is.
Buendia recorded some promising statistics last season - but only netted once. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
With four years left remaining on his contract, age on his side and the player not pushing for a move, the Canaries hold the cards and in Stuart Webber supporters know the club have a sporting director notoriously difficult to negotiate with.
More positively for City is Buendia’s reassurance that his head remains with the club, regardless if speculation ramps up over the coming weeks.
MORE: How much is Buendia worth?The question for City to answer is whether any bid for Buendia can exceed what he’d offer to any promotion push from the Championship this season.
In Germany, Buendia was very much part of the first-team group. A knock restricted his playing time and a suspension meant Daniel Farke was forced to look at other options.
In reality, this interview does little to shift the situation - more to provide clarity. Buendia remains happy at Norwich unless his valuation is met - but there won’t be any pushing on his part to make a transfer happen.