Xabi Alonso snaps up Premier League star on loan as Bayer Leverkusen boss looks to strengthen in attack in a bid to reel in title rivals Bayern Munich

Bayer Leverkusen have sealed a loan deal for an Aston Villa star until the end of the season, the Premier league side have confirmed. 

Xabi Alonso‘s side are six points behind Vincent Kompany‘s Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, and have looked to the transfer market to recruit in attack in a bid to retain their crown. 

Leverkusen have seen last season’s star striker Victor Boniface linked with a move to Saudi Arabia in the January window, but have now looked to the Premier League to reinforce in attacking midfield. 

Villa’s Emiliano Buendia has joined the German champions for the remainder of the campaign, according to the club.

However, the Argentinian creative midfielder did sign a contract extension at Villa Park before departing for Germany, so his immediate future at least is secured to Unai Emery‘s side. 

Last season he failed to make a Premier League appearance as Villa stunned the division on their way to Champions League qualification after a season-ending knee injury suffered in August. 

Buendia missed the whole of last season with a knee injury but has played 19 times this term

Yet this term he has managed to be more of a consistent presence with 19 appearances across all competitions for 2024-25. 

He now departs for a Leverkusen side that are looking to secure their progression to the next round of the Champions League. 

Alonso’s side take on Sparta Prague on Wednesday night with all 36 teams in action in the Champions League league phase. 

With Bayer Leverkusen in eighth spot, and the top eight going straight through to the last 16, a win by a healthy margin should be enough to take them through to the next stage.