Aston Villa are reportedly considering a sensational proposal that would see one of their first-team stars head to Manchester City alongside an additional £25 million in exchange for Tijjani Reijnders, with Unai Emery understood to have discussed the idea with members of the Villa hierarchy.
Aston Villa could be preparing one of the most unexpected moves of the transfer window after a reported internal discussion between head coach Unai Emery and the club’s board raised the possibility of a player-plus-cash deal for Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders.
According to the reported conversation, Villa’s hierarchy are seriously considering whether a proposal involving one of their established stars and an additional £25 million could tempt Manchester City into allowing the 28-year-old midfielder to leave.
The idea is understood to have emerged during discussions about Villa’s midfield options and the club’s desire to add another technically gifted player capable of operating at the highest level.
Reijnders is regarded as a player who could immediately add quality to Emery’s midfield. His ability to carry the ball, dictate possession and contribute in attacking areas has made him an attractive profile for clubs looking to compete domestically and in Europe.
Emery, who has consistently demanded technical quality and tactical intelligence from his players, is believed to have discussed the possibility of bringing the Manchester City star to Villa Park with senior members of the board.
The conversation reportedly centred on whether Villa could structure a proposal that would appeal to City while keeping the financial commitment within the club’s preferred limits.
Rather than simply submitting a cash offer, Villa’s hierarchy are said to be considering using one of their own players as part of the package.
The identity of that player, however, is what makes the proposed deal particularly surprising.
The Aston Villa star at the centre of the proposal
The player being considered is Emiliano Buendia.
Buendia’s potential involvement would make the proposal a major talking point among Villa supporters, particularly because of his technical qualities and his previous importance to the club.
The Argentine has long been admired for his creativity, vision and ability to operate between the lines. His inclusion in a proposal for Reijnders would therefore represent a significant decision by Emery and the Villa board.
Under the reported plan, Aston Villa would offer Buendia plus £25 million to Manchester City in exchange for Reijnders.
The proposal has not been described as an agreed deal, and there is no indication that Manchester City have accepted the terms. Instead, Villa’s board are reportedly assessing whether the package would be strong enough to convince City’s hierarchy to open negotiations.
The next step, according to the storyline, would be for Villa to formally communicate their interest and test Manchester City’s position.
Emery’s influence
Emery’s involvement could prove crucial.
The Spanish coach has built a reputation for identifying players who fit his tactical system, and Reijnders would provide a different dimension to Villa’s midfield.
The 28-year-old possesses the mobility to move through midfield while also having the technical ability to receive possession under pressure. Those qualities could potentially make him an attractive option for Emery as Villa look to strengthen their squad.
The reported conversation between Emery and the Villa board is said to have focused not only on Reijnders’ ability but also on whether Buendia could be used as part of a wider restructuring of the squad.
Villa’s hierarchy are reportedly conscious that any proposal involving one of their established players would need careful consideration.
Buendia remains a technically gifted footballer, meaning the club would have to weigh his potential departure against the possibility of securing a player who could immediately strengthen Emery’s midfield.
Manchester City decision could be decisive
The biggest obstacle could ultimately be Manchester City.
City would have to determine whether Buendia fits their requirements before considering the financial component of the proposal.
The £25 million additional payment could make the offer more attractive, but Villa are reportedly aware that City may demand significantly more or simply refuse to consider exchanging Reijnders.
That is why the proposed approach is being viewed internally as an exploratory move rather than an agreement.
Villa are said to be preparing the groundwork for a potential proposal, with the board expected to discuss the financial implications before deciding whether to contact Manchester City formally.
If the offer is eventually submitted, it could trigger one of the more fascinating negotiations of the window.
Fans react to sensational proposal
News of the potential swap has already sparked debate among supporters in this fictional storyline, with fans divided over whether Villa should sacrifice Buendia to bring in Reijnders.
@VillaFaithful wrote on X: “Buendia plus £25m for Reijnders? If this is genuinely being considered, Villa have to think very carefully.”
Another supporter, @HolteEndVoice, reacted: “Reijnders would be unbelievable for Emery’s midfield, but giving up Buendia is a massive call.”
@AVFCInsider posted: “The idea of Reijnders in a Villa shirt is exciting. But City would have to seriously consider the player we’re offering.”
A more enthusiastic supporter, @VillaTilIDie, said: “£25m plus a player for Reijnders? I’d want Villa pushing this immediately.”
Meanwhile, @ClaretBlueArmy urged caution: “Let’s not get carried away. Until City respond, this is only a proposal being considered.”
Villa preparing their next move
For now, the proposed deal remains at the discussion stage.
Aston Villa’s board are reportedly weighing whether to send an official proposal to Manchester City, while Emery’s interest in strengthening his midfield could encourage the club to make the approach.
The potential package of Emiliano Buendia plus £25 million for Tijjani Reijnders would certainly represent a dramatic piece of business if it materialised.
However, much would depend on City’s valuation of Reijnders and their assessment of Buendia.
The coming days could therefore be crucial.
If Villa decide to proceed, Manchester City could soon have an intriguing proposal on their table — one that would ask them to part with their 28-year-old midfielder in exchange for an established Aston Villa star and an additional £25 million.
For Emery, it would be a bold attempt to reshape his midfield.
For Villa, it could be a huge gamble.
And for supporters, the prospect of seeing Reijnders arrive at Villa Park in a deal involving Buendia would undoubtedly be one of the most unexpected transfer stories of the window.
