City receive record fee as Buendia departs for Villa

The Argentinian midfielder departs Carrow Road for a club record undisclosed transfer fee, surpassing the previous figure received following Ben Godfrey’s transfer to Everton.

Buendia joined City from Spanish side Getafe CF in the summer of 2018. He made his debut for the club in a 2-0 Sky Bet Championship victory over Preston North End at Carrow Road, appearing as a second-half substitute.

Over the course of the 2018-19 season Buendia featured on a regular basis, netting eight goals as City secured promotion to the Premier League as champions.

In the following season Buendia would go on to score one goal in the Premier League, away at Watford, as City returned to the second tier.

Back in the Championship, Buendia delivered a series of impressive performances, netting 15 league goals, as Norwich once again claimed the league title and returned to the top-flight at the first attempt.

His stellar season was recognised with a collection of individual accolades. Buendia claimed both the Norwich City and EFL Player of the Season awards, with his form also recognised on the international stage, with a maiden senior call up to the senior Argentina national side.

Across three seasons at the club Buendia made a total of 121 appearances in all competitions, scoring 24 goals.

Stuart Webber, Norwich City sporting director, said: “Whilst we are disappointed to have lost a fantastic player, we should take a moment to be proud of the journey that both Emi and the club have been on.

“From the moment our club scouts, led by head of recruitment Kieran Scott, identified Emi through to Daniel [Farke] and the staff giving him an opportunity, it has been a memorable journey.

“Emi has been top class since the day he arrived. He has worked incredibly hard and we’re proud that he has developed into both the player and person he is today. I’m sure he will be the first to acknowledge what Daniel and all of the staff have done to help contribute to his success.

“Despite us not wanting Emi to leave, once he made it clear that he wanted to go to Aston Villa, and they reached the level of deal we have got to, we were left with little option.

“He and his young family will be missed, but he leaves with our blessings, for a club record fee, one that could reach nearly double our previous record.

“We look forward to watching Emi’s career develop further. He has helped us grow as a club over the last three years, but now that this deal is concluded, and with the benefit of it happening early in the summer, we look forward to progressing our transfer window plans.”

All at Norwich City would like to thank Emi for his efforts and contributions to the club. We wish him well in his future career.