Emiliano Buendia Deserves a Big Move & There Should Be No Shortage of Suitors

Norwich City v Crystal Palace - Premier League
Norwich City v Crystal Palace - Premier League / Stephen Pond/Getty Images
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Norwich were relegated after their loss to West Ham earlier in July. That didn't come as much of a surprise, given they'd been destined for the drop for quite some time.

But with their relegation now confirmed - and with the summer transfer window beckoning - clubs will be starting to look at some of City's better players.

One of these better players is Emiliano Buendia.

Buendia celebrating his goal against Watford
Buendia celebrating his goal against Watford / MATT DUNHAM/Getty Images

The Argentine is a diminutive attacking midfielder. He isn't especially quick, and isn't a prolific goalscorer, but he is a creator - someone who can fashion a chance out of very little. He has shown glimpses of that ability this season for Norwich, but it's been difficult for him to showcase his skills in a team so far off the others in the division.

It makes sense to look at Buendia's time in the Championship, as Norwich were the top team in the second flight.

In 38 Championship games, Buendia scored eight times and assisted 12 - only Brentford's Said Benrahma managed more assists than him. Buendia was the driving creative force behind Norwich's title-winning campaign, and he continued that form into the Premier League.

The 23-year-old has seven assists this term, ranking him tenth in the league. He is also fourth in the list of chances created in the Premier League.

Pukki has really struggled in the Premier League.
Pukki has really struggled in the Premier League. / Michael Regan/Getty Images

Undoubtedly, Norwich's dreadful campaign is not down to him. In fact, it is largely in spite of the Argentine's best efforts.

Norwich have scored 26 goals this season, making them the division's meekest side up front. The Canaries' prime goalscoring hopes laid on the shoulders of Finnish striker Teemu Pukki who, despite scoring six goals in his first five games, is stuck on 11 for the whole league campaign. Had Norwich had a more prolific striker, not only would they have fared much better in the league, but Buendia's assist record would look much healthier than it already is.

The Premier League basement-boys will be kicking themselves that they didn't make the most of Buendia when they had him. In him and Todd Cantwell, the Canaries had a strong creative duo, but their inability to find someone who can put the ball in the net has cost them.

Now Buendia will undoubtedly leave and there are plenty of top clubs that would take him.

Ozil has found himself out of favour at Arsenal
Ozil has found himself out of favour at Arsenal / Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

In the Premier League alone, there are a number of clubs who are lacking that creative spark. Arsenal have a clear lack of imagination in their midfield, while Everton's top provider is Lucas Digne with seven. Their top creator from midfield is Bernard, and he's only on two.

Buendia has been heavily linked with Atletico Madrid in recent weeks. Los Rojiblancos, who saw bitter rivals Real Madrid win the league title on Thursday night, have been off the pace this season. Angel Correa has the most assists for Atleti with just six, and by adding Buendia they would give forwards like Joao Felix a much more reliable source of chances from which to score.

There are plenty of clubs throughout Europe who are crying out for a player like Buendia. These clubs could be fighting against relegation or for titles, but wherever he goes the Argentine will make a huge impact.