The summer of 2018 signaled a major shift for Norwich City, with the arrival of Emiliano Buendía from Getafe proving to be a transformative move in their Championship-winning campaign.
Relatively unknown at the time, Buendía was brought in for a modest fee of around £1.5 million—an astute piece of business that would soon be seen as one of the club’s most inspired signings in recent memory.
Taking a chance on Buendía was a gamble, but Norwich had done their research—and the results were remarkable for both the player and the club.
Buendía sparks Norwich revival in the Championship
Daniel Farke’s side entered the 2018/19 season as underdogs in a fiercely competitive Championship. Among a number of bold summer signings, Buendía stood out as one of the most intriguing.
By mid-season, the Argentine had become indispensable. Linking up with a youthful core featuring Max Aarons, Jamal Lewis, Todd Cantwell, and prolific striker Teemu Pukki, Buendía helped forge the dynamic, free-flowing attacking football that defined Norwich under Farke.
He quickly became a fan favorite as the Canaries accelerated their push for promotion.
A defining influence in a title-winning season
In his debut Championship campaign, Buendía contributed 8 goals and 12 assists in 38 matches—figures that only scratch the surface of his influence.
His ability to operate between the lines, combined with relentless pressing and clever movement in tight areas, elevated Norwich’s attacking play.
By April 2019, automatic promotion was sealed. The team’s style was widely praised as some of the best the Championship had seen in years, with Buendía playing a central role and earning cult hero status at Carrow Road.
Premier League setback and the Buendía conundrum
Though Buendía continued to impress, Norwich struggled in the Premier League during the 2019/20 season and were relegated. Despite this, Buendía’s individual performances kept him in the spotlight, leading to speculation about a move in the summer of 2020.
But in a surprise decision, he stayed—leading to a resurgence.
Norwich returned to the Championship in 2020/21 and dominated once more. Buendía reached another level, recording 15 goals and 16 assists in 39 appearances. Farke’s side claimed the title again, with the Argentine maestro pulling the strings at the heart of their success.
A record exit that reshaped the club
In June 2021, Norwich finally sanctioned Buendía’s sale, with Aston Villa securing his services for a record-breaking £33 million. The deal not only bolstered the club financially in the wake of COVID-19 but also marked a historic moment in the club’s transfer history.
The money was reinvested into the squad, with new signings like Milot Rashica, Christos Tzolis, and Josh Sargent arriving. Yet none were able to fill the void left by Buendía’s creative spark and influence.
A legacy that lives on
While injuries and inconsistent form have marred his time at Aston Villa, Buendía’s legacy at Norwich remains untarnished.
Supporters still recall his clutch performances, iconic goals like the one against Bristol City, and his near-telepathic connection with Pukki.
More than just a standout player, Buendía embodied the intelligent recruitment and attacking philosophy that defined Norwich’s modern era under Daniel Farke.
