The summer of 2018 marked a turning point for Norwich City, with summer signing Emiliano Buendia arriving from Getafe, who proved pivotal in their immediate Championship success.
Buendia, a relatively unknown figure upon arrival, was secured for a reported fee of £1.5 million in a bargain deal that became one of the most inspired pieces of business in recent Norwich history. The signing was a risk, but Norwich had done their homework, and the result was a superb rise for both player and club.
Buendia’s Norwich arrival sparked a Championship transformation
Daniel Farke’s team headed off the 2018/19 campaign seen as one of few outsiders in a competitive Championship pack. Buendia was one of the club’s many gambles during the summer transfer window.
By winter, the Argentine had become indispensable. The little wizard played alongside a young cast that included Max Aarons, Jamal Lewis, Todd Cantwell, and Teemu Pukki, a Championship goalscoring machine.
Buendia began to impress as the Canaries altered gears toward promotion.
A magician in midfield: Buendia’s 2018/19 impact defined a title-winning season
In his debut Championship season, Buendía scored 8 goals and 12 assists in 38 league matches, demonstrating his significant impact.
The way he moved between the lines, his determination off the ball, and the vision to locate pockets of space in tight situations all helped Norwich’s offense.
By April 2019, Norwich have achieved automatic promotion. Their style of play and attacking quality attracted parallels to the best football the division has seen in years. At the center of it all was Buendia, a player who had become a cult hero in Norfolk.
Premier League struggles and the Buendia dilemma
Despite some moments of brilliance, Norwich’s 2019/20 Premier League season ended in relegation. But Buendia’s stock merely increased. The summer of 2020 has sparked conjecture. Buendia, who was clearly Premier League caliber, was anticipated to move on. But, in an unexpected twist, he remained.
What was the result? Dominance.
Norwich tore apart the Championship once more during the 2020/21 campaign. Buendia achieved new heights, with 15 goals and 16 assists in 39 games. Farke’s team won the title in style once again. Again, Buendia was the driving force behind everything excellent in Canary yellow.
| Emiliano Buendia Championship Stats (Transfermarkt) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| 2018/19 | 38 | 8 | 12 |
| 2020/21 | 39 | 15 | 16 |
The inevitable departure—and a record-breaking sale
In June 2021, Norwich paid a club-record £33 million for Buendia to join Aston Villa, ensuring the club’s financial health and breaking new ground for sales in East Anglia. The fee was reinvested, with players like Milot Rashica, Christos Tzolis, and Josh Sargent arriving that summer. However, none could replicate the swagger and creativity of the man who had lit up Carrow Road for three seasons.
Emi Buendia left a lasting impact on Norwich City
Buendia’s time at Norwich was unrivaled, despite his inconsistent Villa career due to injuries and inconsistency. Fans remember his outstanding performances, including a curling effort against Bristol City and his telepathic connection with Pukki. He was a symbol of Norwich’s footballing philosophy under Farke and a product of smart recruitment that has become synonymous with the modern Norwich.
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